Depends on your area.* It's been on 2 here all along, since the 1980s.

Well thats what WBBM is advertising in their DTV readiness ads

After the rescan, WCPX-HD 38-1 is there! Based on the signal strength, it is probably on 159MHz, too. No subchannels, though. Nothing on the box, and probably will be nothing until the 12th.

Got 38-1 down here in Joliet also on my kitchen TV (straight coax), but not showing on the dvr.

Got 38-1 down here in Joliet also on my kitchen TV (straight coax), but not showing on the dvr.No 38-1 yet in Chicago Area 2.  Can't complain until Friday, and maybe it will be here by then.

Does Comcast carry the Sleuth channel? I'm looking and can't find where it is burried in the hundres of channels.

No, Comcast does not carry Slueth, that's why you can't find it.

In Chicago Area 2, 38-1 showed up last night via clear QAM as "ION."

Also, MegaHertz World is now on both 20-2 (not 20-3 as it should be) "World" and 30-3 as "MHZ."  WYCC-SD remains on 79-12.

TBS and BET are still available in the clear only as analogs, not by QAM.  MSNBC was in the same condition until it was added at 83-5, but nothing's been done about TBS or BET yet.  As to how long we can get them in analog, every rep I ask at Comcast tells me that the analogs will be shut off June 12, but frankly, I think they're confusing it with the OTA date because there are so many references to the latter in the sales pitches they're supposed to give to prospective customers.

I'm not really sure what Comcast is doing at all. For the last 6 months the digital "air channels" were in logical places in Des Plaines. CBS was at 2, 2.1 NBC was at 5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, ABC was at 7, 7.1,7.2,7.3 WTTW/PBS was 11, 11.1,11.2,11.4 Perfect sense... then several weeks ago that all disappeared, and I just checked now and they still aren't back. Perhaps after the analog over the air officially goes away they will remap everything again on a Sunday at 2am, and Monday morning all will be right with the world again.....

This is what Comcast Support had to say..... basically, I believe they are re-mapping channels... hopefully they will put them in logical locations, i.e. 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 like before
************** COMCAST TEXT TECH SUPPORT *********
Status: Analyst L is here and your issue status is: working

Problem: It seems like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX digital HD transmissions disappeared. CBS used to be at 2, and 2.1 ABC was at 7 and 7.1 7.2 7.3 End Session user Chris_ has entered room

Chris>It seems like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX digital HD transmissions disappeared. CBS used to be at 2, and 2.1 ABC was at 7 and 7.1 7.2 7.3

analyst L6 has entered room

L>Hello Chris_, Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is L. Please give me one moment to review your information.

L>I am glad you contacted us and I am willing to help you. For security verification and the protection of your account, may I have the phone number listed on the account and last four digits of your Social Security Number?


Chrisxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

L>Thank you for that information. I understand your concern and I will be happy to assist you with your questions. By the way, I hope you are doing well today.

L>Chris, I can see here that you are missing HD channels, right?

Chris>Yes, so how are the channel re-mappings going for the switch to all digital over the air... for some reason they changed our channels

Chris>yes, there are some digital channels

Chris>but the normal over the air ABC, NBC, FOX, are gone

Chris>They have been moving channels around for the last couple of weeks

Chris>I have had my TV re-scan several times and they dont' show up

L>Chris, let me inform you first that the conversion that will happen tomorrow will only affects for the customers who subscribed basic cable service

Chris>I have also manually put in 7.1 or 5.1 which worked for 6 months or perhaps even a year....

L>Is this your first time to contact us regarding with your concern?

Chris>yes, and we have basic cable. So some time tomorrow all the HD broadcast stations will be back?

L>I would be glad to pull up your account to have a better idea of what is going on.

Chris>yes please

Chris>the digital channels worked fine for months and months and about 2 weeks ago they went away.

L>Chris, you need to have a converter box for you to be ready for the conversion tomorrow. Let me also clarify that the adapter box is free for first and second equipment.

Chris>why would we need that. We have a digital tv, the signals came in fine without the box before, that does not seem right

L>I see.

L>If you already have a digital TV then it means that you will be ready for the Digital Conversion.

Chris>yes, but we have comcast Cable TV I am not receiving the signal over the air, I am getting it from Comcast on cable, and COMCAST CABLE TV put ABC analog at channel 7, ABC Digital was at 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 They went away. Will COMCAST be putting those channels back tomorrow?

Chris>ABC is a TV station you know?

L>Chris, I cannot guarantee you that they will be back tomorrow but to resolve your issue we will book a trouble call the check the problem in your service. Would that be okay?

Chris>I don't need a technician to come to the house, that isn't the problem. The TV signal for other digital signals over COMCAST Cable TV come in just fine. Do you know if they are re-mapping channels or do you not know what Comcast is doing in Des Plaines IL ? Perhaps you don't have access to that level of detail on what local COMCAST is doing?

L>Let me check my resources here to be aware with your issue.

Chris>Thanks, COMCAST in Des Plaines has re-mapped channels to different locations in the past, but this is the longest time it has lasted without correction

L>I am sorry for the long wait.

Chris>no problem, I know it some times takes a while to find the correct information....

L>Chris, I would suggest to call 866-372-4215 to have better idea what is going on in your area since I checked my resources here and we do not have any updates in Des Plaines.

Chris>Ok, thank you

L>If you want I could also check the channel line up updates in the website.

Chris>I will re-check that also.

Chris>Have a great day, good bye

L>Please give me two minutes to help you with this. One moment, please.

Chris>oh ok

Chris>I will wait some more

L>Here are the channel line up in Des Plaines.

L>2 WBBM-TV (2) CBS
3 HSN
4 TV Guide Channel
5 WMAQ-TV (5) NBC
6 WCIU-TV (26)
7 WLS-TV (7) ABC
8 WPWR-TV (50) MNT
9 WGN-TV (9) CW
10 WYIN-TV (56) PBS
11 WTTW-TV (11) PBS
12 WFLD-TV (32) FOX
14 WGBO-TV (66) UNI
15 Access
16 Turner Classic Movies
17 Access
18 WCPX-TV (38) ION
19 WSNS-TV (44) TEL
21 Discovery Channel
22 QVC
23 WXFT-TV (60)
24 Access
25 Food Network
26 Access
28 VH1
31 TLC
32 Animal Planet
33 WJYS-TV (62)
34 TBS
35 Access
98 CSPAN

Chris>and anything on digital for des plaines that is available on basic. I know they need to legally provide the over the air broadcast HD signals for basic

L>Here is the link where you can see the channel line up in your area. There are some HD channels that are already move in to different package.

L> Had to remove Web Link because I haven't posted enough......

Chris>yes, and under basic, not expanded basic, there are many HD stations listed, ABC HD is one, so they must be planning on putting it back sometime in the next few days

Chris>These are all included in BASIC 187 WLS-DT (ABC)
188 WMAQ-DT (NBC)
189 WBBM-DT (CBS)
190 WFLD-DT (FOX)
191 WTTW-DT (PBS)


L>I cannot guarantee when they will be back, Chris.

Chris>well I guess I will just wait until the weekend is over, and call that phone number you gave me on Monday if they aren't working then

L>Okay.

L>Is there anything else I can help you with today? I am more than willing to help you out.

Chris>No that will be all for this evening. Thank you and good night.

L>Your welcome. It is my pleasure to help you.

L>Thank you for choosing Comcast. We value your business.

L>If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us again. If you need additional assistance you can find product support information on our web site at DELETED or call us at 1-877-870-4310.

L>I will appreciate your feedback about the service you experienced with me today. It is our priority to provide you the best customer service. Kindly answer the survey at the end of this chat so we will know how we can improve our service.

L>It was nice chatting with you today. Good Bye.

L>Analyst has closed chat and left the room

analyst L has left room

WCPX-HD was coming in at 720p on channel 238 by 7 AM.  The frequency was 159 MHz; I don't know which QAM channel that is.

... Comcast is moving WYCC-20 to the digital tier: It might be that WYCC chose this so that all three digital channels would be carried by Comcast. I sent an inquiry to WYCC and will report what I learn. ..
No reply to my inquiry. But I received a postcard on 6/11 sent to WYCC members about the overall DTV switch and that WYCC would no longer be on Comcast analog, instead requiring Comcast digital service. (Card received about two weeks after Comcast switch.)

An interesting article which may help explain why Comcast is moving WYCC-20 to the digital tier: It might be that WYCC chose this so that all three digital channels would be carried by Comcast. I sent an inquiry to WYCC and will report what I learn. (I can't find the statement the article mentions.)

--------

http://www.current.org/dtv/dtv0909cable.shtml

No reply to my inquiry. But I received a postcard on 6/11 sent to WYCC members about the overall DTV switch and that WYCC would no longer be on Comcast analog, instead requiring Comcast digital service. (Card received about two weeks after Comcast switch.)

Comcast Waukegan also dumped channel 10 WMVS PBS in Milwaukee at analog 10, so it's two PBS stations gone, 20 and 10.

On digital 10, they're showing a 480i downsized of the 16:9 HD signal, which is the SD program surrounded by bars. So on my 16:9 HDTV I have a 4:3 panel with black side bars of a 4:3 program which is a 4:3 repackage of a 16:9 signal with side bars around 4:3 content. :mad:

It'll be nice when the day arrives when TV providers understand this stuff.

This is what Comcast Support had to say.....

Looks to me like you had a conversation with an AI. It consistently misunderstood things you were talking about, and what your "problem" was, but answered in perfect, grammatically-correct English. It also gave you a fair amount of information, none of which was useful or new.

In Elgin today, all of my QAM in the clear channels are very low signal strength, and they are macro-blocking. The problem is most pronounced on my TVs QAM tuner, but I am also seeing blocking in the DVRs diagnostics. SN ratios about 30db, Fair.

Is anyone else seeing similar issues?

did anyone notice a list of the HD channels that just got added to the city 3&4? My Tivo showed them but they all seemed like subchannels of the main ones.

WCPX-HD was coming in at 720p on channel 238 by 7 AM.* The frequency was 159 MHz; I don't know which QAM channel that is.

159Mhz is analog 20, shared with WYCC-HD and Megahertz.

North Downers Grove here. Lombard/Oak Brook.

WHY do I not have Bravo HD? Does anyone know what Comcast's problem is with this? Anyone know how close it IS to me? I hear Schaumburg.

I'm pissed already!

159Mhz is analog 20, shared with WYCC-HD and Megahertz.

I cannot find any of the ION subchannels.

159Mhz is analog 20, shared with WYCC-HD and Megahertz.Thank you.

I cannot find any of the ION subchannels.I'm pretty sure that they aren't being carried, just ION itself: not qubo, IONLife, nor Worship.

North Downers Grove here. Lombard/Oak Brook.

WHY do I not have Bravo HD? Does anyone know what Comcast's problem is with this? Anyone know how close it IS to me? I hear Schaumburg.

I'm pissed already!
Same reason we only have about 42 HD channels. 750mhz system and expanded basic not switched to all digital. In other words, not enough band-width.:mad:

I do have bravo hd in Glen ellyn. Not too far away from downers. But, i am not on the old mediaone system. I am actually very impressed with comcast in this area. Something like 60 hd channels or so. I wonder how they fit them. Is Glen Ellyn a 860 or 1000 system?

I do have bravo hd in Glen ellyn. Not too far away from downers. But, i am not on the old mediaone system. I am actually very impressed with comcast in this area. Something like 60 hd channels or so. I wonder how they fit them. Is Glen Ellyn a 860 or 1000 system?

My guess would be 860, but someone in the know might be able to confirm what your system is.

WYCC World has been frozen all afternoon for me. :confused:

WYCC World has been frozen all afternoon for me. :confused:
20.3 OTA was also frozen or blank all Friday evening.  It's OK now, and so is Comcast 250.  The problem was with WYCC or with MegaHertz, not with Comcast.

I'm in Lakeview, TV and Internet both down since abour 1:30pm Saturday. Comcast has no ETA.

Anyone else? Any clues as to how widespread?

My cable's been out for about an hour......Comcast is sending someone out on tuesday thinking it's our boxes that are causing the outtage[they were working fine before the outtage which makes me think the problem's on their end].

My cable's been out for about an hour......Comcast is sending someone out on tuesday thinking it's our boxes that are causing the outtage[they were working fine before the outtage which makes me think the problem's on their end].Was your cable tv working when the power came back on? I lost power during the storms a few days ago. The next day, i had power for 5-6 hours and had no cable tv. There was a part of the neighborhood without power still. The power where i lived came on late last night and since the entire neighborhood came back on, the cable worked. My theory, and it might be wrong, is that there is a part of your neighborhood or area that is still without power and comcast has equiptment there. Maybe once they get power, your cable tv will work.

On a side note, does your tv work with analog? (without box?) If not, and internet/comcast phone doesn't work too, something between your home and comcast might have issues. (could be anything with the storm.)

Like i said, could be wrong. Post back if you want with results. I'm curious.

My cable has been out since Friday afternoon. I'm around the pulaski and montrose area. They couldn't give me an ETA, but they credited my account for 2 days. As far as I know we didn't lose power or anything during the storms. The cable went off when the storms passed. The box must not be receiving anything, because the time is always at 12.

The power was never out in my area.......the cable came back on around 9:30 last night[the problem was not my boxes afterall]

As of this morning, at least in the Schaumburg area, they have started using PSIP to assign channel numbers to the local broadcast ADS's. Instead of trying to remember 86-x, 122-x and 123-x, they are now closer to their real numbers.

SD-only's are using num-1 (56-1, 60-1, 66-1). The ones that also have HD are using 2xx-1 (202-1, 205-1, 207-1, ...) So far, WSNS hasn't been updated, it's still 86-20. They also appear to be passing on program titles in the PSIP, and the channels have names (WMAQ, etc...). The Comcast Network (35) is showing as 1-5. CLTV is trying to come in as 1-6, but it's encrypted.

Not HDTV, but... In Chicago Near North, Comcast put CSPAN2 on #14 analog about the same time that WYCC 20 went digital only and WBBM went to #2 instead of #22. CSPAN2 remained at #104 digital. This last weekend I wanted to watch Book-TV on CSPAN2. NO audio on analog #14, but #104 had its normal low audio.

I reported the issue on analog #14 via online chat. As of this morning, three days later, still NO audio.

No improvements in Chicago Area 2.  The digital channel (103-23) for one of the access channels (analog 23) has no audio, MegaHertz World is now only on 30-3 instead of 20-2 or 20-3, TLN and CN100 now each have two digital channels, the subchannels of 11 and 26 are still misnumbered, and TBS and BET are still available in the clear only in analog and not in digital.

Caller ID now shows up on my parents TV.
Anyone else seeing this in Northern Indiana or Chicago area?

A rep, when I phoned, said it would be active as of June 16.  It still wasn't working on June 22; I haven't tried yet today.

Here in Schaumburg, my box was updated just over a month ago to add iTV. I don't have Comcast phone, so no idea if it actually works.

One weird issue with WJYS. The cable box has no problem with it on 33 (using 789MHz, analog 123), and the TV picks up the analog 33. But, I no longer pick it up as 62-1. I have a signal, but no data. The TV ignores any attempt to tune the old channel number (123-16). No big deal as I never watch it. Just an annoyance and wondering if anybody else has an issue.

Caller ID now shows up on my parents TV.
Anyone else seeing this in Northern Indiana or Chicago area?

It started in my neighborhood about a month ago. If you go to the caller id screen (new option in the menu), it indicates that anybody with the triple play get the onscreen callerid feature.

Wednesday morning I woke to find the DVR on standby and the guide information had been wiped and was only starting to fill back in, but a piece of equipment in the same room that is even more sensitive to power drops was still chugging, so I figured there must have been some sort of reset.

But Caller ID is still not working.

Wednesday morning I woke to find the DVR on standby and the guide information had been wiped and was only starting to fill back in, but a piece of equipment in the same room that is even more sensitive to power drops was still chugging, so I figured there must have been some sort of reset.

But Caller ID is still not working.

Do you see the caller id option in the menu?
Do you have the triple play?
I have comcast phone, internet and tv. I only pay for basic cable tv service, so I'm not considered a triple play customer and don't get caller id even though the option is visible in the menu.
But, several of my triple play neighbors started getting caller id as soon as the option appeared in the menu about a month ago.

Do you see the caller id option in the menu?
Do you have the triple play?

Yes to both.  I need to phone Comcast about it again, but my only chance to do that is in the dead of night, and to test it out we'd need to let the line with Caller ID ring, which I don't want to do at that hour.  Guess I could go around the house shutting off ringers or disconnecting phones and then undoing that afterward, but what a pain ...

Not HDTV, but... In Chicago Near North, Comcast put CSPAN2 on #14 analog about the same time that WYCC 20 went digital only and WBBM went to #2 instead of #22. CSPAN2 remained at #104 digital. This last weekend I wanted to watch Book-TV on CSPAN2. NO audio on analog #14, but #104 had its normal low audio.

I reported the issue on analog #14 via online chat. As of this morning, three days later, still NO audio.
As of 6/25, still no audio on 14 analog. As the on line chat did no good, I called Comcast.

The Comcast representative did not believe they were still sending any analog signals - just digital. (Which is obviously not true in my area.)

He talked about the June 12 shutoff. I explained that that applied to OTA broadcasters - not a cable company.

He said I should not be getting CSPAN2 on 14 - should be getting The Learning Channel (which I think is what I get on the digital STB 14)

Couldn't speak with anyone else. Couldn't notify engineering department to flip the switch. He wanted to send a technician. I said that all the technician could do is to see what I'd been explaining. Finally agreed to have someone come out on Sunday morning.

I have cancelled my Comcast account & return their HD set top box to them. I am sick & tired of paying over $100 per month & not getting what I have asked for & that's more HD channels, e.g. Chicago still doesn't have Travel Channel HD & other markets had it for months. I am moving to Las Vegas in September (no I will not get Cox because they're worser than Comcast) & will be getting either satellite or the telcos because I am through with cable & all their bullcrap!

I thought the Travel Channel was the greatest channel ever invented for about the first month I had it.

Since that, though, they've just been showing the same programs over and over for the last six months.

Maybe this is old news, but I did a search and did not see anything recent that matched...

There is an ad on page six of the sports section in the Tribune with announcement of some July 30th line-up changes. See it for more info, but here are the basics:


ESPN Classic - Moving from Digital Classic to Sports Entertainment Pkg
ESPNU - Added to Digital Classic
NFL Network, NHL Network, NBA TV moving to Digital Classic, along with their HD counterparts, where available
ESPNNews & MLB Network moving to Sports Entertainment Pkg , along with their HD counterparts, where available. I think you will still get it with Digital Classic, but now if you have Starter, you can add it with the Sports pkg.


I will admit I am not a current subscriber, but have been looking to switch, so I have been keeping an eye on this board.

On another note, does anyone know if the Beverly neighborhood in Chicago is part of the rebuild area? I am asked to make a choice when entering my address on the website and I have no idea...

I hope MLB Network stays with digital classic.

On another note, does anyone know if the Beverly neighborhood in Chicago is part of the rebuild area?I don't know what "the rebuild area" is, but for what it's worth, Beverly is surely in Area 4.

On another note, in Area 2 we got some of the PSIP changes like those that Andy mentioned for Schaumburg, and they're loaded with ill logic and mistakes.  Also, we still get TBS and BET in clear analog but not in clear QAM.

On another note, on-screen Caller ID finally works.  When I phoned about it, the rep said that the customer had to call in and ask for it, and she'd be happy to turn it on for me.  They didn't want to surprise people with it who hadn't asked for it (as I can understand; if you get it on a non-DVR STB you can miss part of what you're watching and if you get it on a DVR it might still be annoying if you don't want it or don't have time to skip back and replay), but ...

1. the rep who told me back on June 8 that my area would get it June 16 could have set the flag on my account, but didn't; and

2. isn't the act of setting the STB or DVR to turn the feature on (which, agreed, should be off by default) enough of a proactive request on the customer's part?

I don't know what "the rebuild area" is, but for what it's worth, Beverly is surely in Area 4.


Thanks. That is my problem as well. When I go to check the channel line-ups it gives me the choice of the following:

CHICAGO AREAS 1,4 & 5 (REBUILD) or
CHICAGO (AREAS 1,4 & 5 - SMATV)

I can't imagine that it is the latter, because when I select that option, it has no HD channels at all!

My Comcast is from the "Elgin/Carpentersville" area (not sure what area that is), and was looking into getting the Digitial Transport Adapter (DTA). I have read that we should be able to get two free units due to Comcast cutting analog in the near future. I went online and my custormer ID was not accepted, and said to call. I then called the number and an automated message said my area was not ready yet for the transition. Any idea when we are moving to all-digital, and when we can get the DTAs?

There has been no official word of analog reclamation outside of Chicago itself, yet. Worse, I worry they may follow Chicago's lead and NOT use DTA's, but require full cable boxes.

On another note, in Area 2 we got some of the PSIP changes like those that Andy mentioned for Schaumburg, and they're loaded with ill logic and mistakes.* Also, we still get TBS and BET in clear analog but not in clear QAM.
There were a few changes. The public access (analog/cablebox 35, was showing as 1-5 on QAM) moved from 123-21 to 86-12 and no longer has a PSIP version. CLTV, which was on 123 and showing as 1-6 (but encrypted), moved to 72-x.

The issue I had with 62 is because there is the virtual 62-1 for WJYS, but also a REAL 62-1 which is ESPNHD or CSNHD, both encrypted. When I type in 62-1 on my Samsung, it ends up trying the encrypted real channel. The only way to watch clear-QAM WJYS (as if I'd ever want to) is to enable it and channel up or down to it from another channel. Why don't they just be consistent and make ALL of the clear-QAM broadcasts as 2xx?

Also, WSNS still has no PSIP, but it's the only broadcast channel on 86 (the other 86's are public/government/infomercial/etc...). All the other broadcast channels are on 122 and 123.

Two Comcast techs came out Sunday and verified my complaint of NO sound on analog 14. They were already aware of the issue from other customers and said a ticket was open for fixing it. They gave me the number of a supervisor if it's not fixed in a day or two. Much nicer talking to technically oriented people than the "script based" customer service reps.

There has been no official word of analog reclamation outside of Chicago itself, yet. Worse, I worry they may follow Chicago's lead and NOT use DTA's, but require full cable boxes.

I hope not, I'm not going to pay more for multiple cable boxes in the home. If this is what Comcast is going to do, I'll move ahead with installing OTA and hook the less-used TVs to that (been meaning to do that to get better FM, which is BAD here west of the Fox, and to get the really great network HD). Also will just continue using the wired feed I have from the TiVo to the big TV in the basement...

For now will live with the analog and the clear QAM on the big TV downstairs, was just going to be nice to get a digital picture down there, the analog is just driving me nuts now.

Just picked up the last two DCX3425's that the local office had available out here in Dekalb. The firmware is 22.31 or whatever, I just know it's not the ##.##a that is supposed to solve the HDMI issues.

One I have connected through component directly to an older rear projection HDTV, and the other is hooked up via HDMI going through a Sony AVR and into my Samsung LN40A650.

I had some problems initially with the HDMI where it wouldn't work through the AVR. However, I was able to luck my way into a solution. The solution was to turn all three items on (TV, AVR, DVR) and then disconnect the HDMI connection from the back of the DVR and then plug it back in after a few seconds. Everything is working perfectly, or as well as perfect is in Comcast/Motorola standards. I have even tried every combination of power cycling and have not yet been able to get either the green screen of death or the persistent "no signal" message.

These boxes are definitly faster for channel changes than either the DCT or DCH boxes. I was able to get the box to work on either 1080I or even Native, but the Native selection was driving my TV nuts while changing channels. On a side note, I'm now able to run my LN40A650 on "Just Scan" without any green bars on either the right side or top of the screen.

All of my old codes that I'm using in a Harmony 890 are still working correctly on the DCX box, including 30 second skip, tuner swap, DVR mute, and the page up and down buttons move the DVR either forward or back in 5 minute intervals.

Happy hunting,
Steve

Just picked up the last two DCX3425's that the local office had available out here in Dekalb. The firmware is 22.31 or whatever, I just know it's not the ##.##a that is supposed to solve the HDMI issues.

One I have connected through component directly to an older rear projection HDTV, and the other is hooked up via HDMI going through a Sony AVR and into my Samsung LN40A650.

I had some problems initially with the HDMI where it wouldn't work through the AVR. However, I was able to luck my way into a solution. The solution was to turn all three items on (TV, AVR, DVR) and then disconnect the HDMI connection from the back of the DVR and then plug it back in after a few seconds. Everything is working perfectly, or as well as perfect is in Comcast/Motorola standards. I have even tried every combination of power cycling and have not yet been able to get either the green screen of death or the persistent "no signal" message.

These boxes are definitly faster for channel changes than either the DCT or DCH boxes. I was able to get the box to work on either 1080I or even Native, but the Native selection was driving my TV nuts while changing channels. On a side note, I'm now able to run my LN40A650 on "Just Scan" without any green bars on either the right side or top of the screen.

All of my old codes that I'm using in a Harmony 890 are still working correctly on the DCX box, including 30 second skip, tuner swap, DVR mute, and the page up and down buttons move the DVR either forward or back in 5 minute intervals.

Happy hunting,
Steve
Anyone know if the Romeoville or Joliet office's have these yet? I stoppped by Romeoville a couple of weeks ago and none at that time.

I'm wondering if the Schaumburg office on Wise Rd have these new boxes. If they do i'll go on Monday and switch

On the BroadBand Reports forum:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r22653344-Comcast-Chicago-Suburbs-Going-All-Digitail-92909
somebody posted a note that they will be going digital, at least in Joliet, on September 29. The mention of 'digital adapter' seems to imply DTA's will be used.

There is also mention that several Digital Classic channels will move to Starter on July 29.

I got one of these new boxes in the mail a few days ago. I have the hdmi green screen issue with my 26 inch hd tv. That really did not make me feel good. Love the speed. Will watch this thread for updates on the firmware update. I was having issues with my dvr and went to get a different one. Got a slighly newer one. Was faster and nicer but audio kept going in and out. (via all methods of output.) Called up, they said they will send a new one out. I did not want to wait a week so i went up to the comcast office in wheaton and got another box. An older one. I forgot about the one in the mail and it showed up! Sweet!

I have updated the big spreadsheet with all the channels and frequencies for Comcast. I went through and did a channel-by-channel check.

http://home.att.net/~andyross/Schaumburg_Cable_Channels.zip

The Excel list is updated. The MSWord channel listing now also shows the ClearQAM channel used.

A few items I noticed:
There used to be two copies of MTV Tr3s on 141 and 606. The 141 copy is gone.
There is a new 620 named GRANC, which appears to be Spanish language movies.
Several channel were moved from 123 to 86. 123 only has 4 channels on it right now. This may be related to all the PSIP work over the past few weeks.
Many smaller moves with channels changing frequencies.

Hello Comcast subscribers. I posted this in another thread, but it probably belongs here. Glancing at a few posts, on a few different pages, I may have my answer, but it's hard to tell. Anyway....see below.

I currently have Dish satellite service and was foiled in my attempt to upgrade to their HD service, by the neighbor's house and some tall trees.

I've been taking a look at Comcast, and their Triple Play looks interesting. I live in the Chicagoland area. This is a somewhat long thread, which I will peruse in detail down the line, but some of these specials end soon, so I'd like to come to a decision relatively quickly. In any case, can anyone in the Chicagoland area provide some feedback on their service and channel content. From the brief look, I took, they seem to be a bit light on channels compared to Dish. However, it looks like all the majors are there, minus HDNet.

Is my initial assessment accurate? If I go for the triple play and get the phone service in there, I should be able to save a few dollars at least for the year special. Speaking of which, how difficult is it to get the same rate again after the special is over?

Any general comments on any of the three (cable, internet, phone) Comcast services are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Around midday Comcast relabeled channels 160 and 177 Syfy and SyfyD (with lower case "yfy") to reflect the new Syfy branding of the former Sci-Fi Channel.  It came a few hours after the channel itself and changed its bug from "Sci-Fi" to "Syfy."

Any general comments on any of the three (cable, internet, phone) Comcast services are welcome.

I've never had any real issues with Comcast. My cable internet has never gone out and it is pretty fast - I get about 16Mbit consistently.

The HD channel lineup is acceptable - they have all the major ones that I care about, and the quality is very good. I don't notice any major macroblocking on any of them. I just wish they would offer a better DVR on-screen interface. The current one isn't HD, has ads, and is more or less sucky. I haven't really used on-demand, but I imagine it has some good stuff in HD too.

I don't have and will never have the phone service - cell phone only for me.

I've never had any real issues with Comcast. My cable internet has never gone out and it is pretty fast - I get about 16Mbit consistently.

The HD channel lineup is acceptable - they have all the major ones that I care about, and the quality is very good. I don't notice any major macroblocking on any of them. I just wish they would offer a better DVR on-screen interface. The current one isn't HD, has ads, and is more or less sucky. I haven't really used on-demand, but I imagine it has some good stuff in HD too.

I don't have and will never have the phone service - cell phone only for me.

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like their DVR needs some work. How is it on features, such as recording priorities, recording all or new episodes only? Does it have features of that nature?

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like their DVR needs some work. How is it on features, such as recording priorities, recording all or new episodes only? Does it have features of that nature?

I don't have the Comcast DVR, but from what I have read in this group it sounds like it is plagued with many problems that my TiVo never gives me. From what I read here, I would suggest getting a TiVo DVR.

Concerning your other question about triple play, I've been very happy with it. The only problem I've had is very short lifetime of the digital converter boxes, I'm on my 5th and I've had the service about a year. Then again these are non-HD, which means they are probably older. But they should last longer than a few months. Aside from that, the service is great until you have to actually deal with Comcast. That's a nightmare typically.

I don't have the Comcast DVR, but from what I have read in this group it sounds like it is plagued with many problems that my TiVo never gives me. From what I read here, I would suggest getting a TiVo DVR.

Concerning your other question about triple play, I've been very happy with it. The only problem I've had is very short lifetime of the digital converter boxes, I'm on my 5th and I've had the service about a year. Then again these are non-HD, which means they are probably older. But they should last longer than a few months. Aside from that, the service is great until you have to actually deal with Comcast. That's a nightmare typically.

That's too bad. I see it doesn't appear much has changed. I still am unsure of what direction I will go. At this point I'm leaning towards seeing if DTV can get me the HD, then change my internet and phone from AT & T to Comcast.

Thanks for the info.

That's too bad. I see it doesn't appear much has changed. I still am unsure of what direction I will go. At this point I'm leaning towards seeing if DTV can get me the HD, then change my internet and phone from AT & T to Comcast.

Thanks for the info.
I have 3 of the HD DVRs, and they are all quite stable. These are all the newer Motorola DCH3416 units. I have the triple play. The HD quality is excellent, and the few times I have had to call Comcast, they have been pleasant to deal with.

While there are a lot of choices out there, I have 7 TVs in the house, and one of the major benefits is that they all can be recording or watching whatever. ie. no 2 streams limitation.

I have a DCT6412 Series II and have had it since 11/04. Still works fine. Most bugs are software related. Also, signal issues will vary from installation to installation.

There is a new DCX series with a 250G drive, but like anything new, it may be best to wait a bit until they work out any kinks in configuration and the firmware (firmware is unique to different models, software is common across all.)

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm still trying to make a decision. The input has been helpful.

Alright, the deed has been done. The soonest installation was in two weeks though, so I'll post back with initial impressions.

Alright, the deed has been done. The soonest installation was in two weeks though, so I'll post back with initial impressions.
Two weeks? I thought they had some ads saying they were promising 48 hour hookups? Or is that only for basic cable?

BBC America HD is set to launch on July 20. Will it be available on Comcast?

BBC America HD is set to launch on July 20. Will it be available on Comcast?

I don't think BBCA signed a single carrier yet for its HD service. At least I haven't heard any announcements yet.

Last year, they announced it would be coming in 2008. That never happened. Although it is launching, who will be able to watch it? Maybe they are going ahead and trying to get pressure from customers to get it added.

Two weeks? I thought they had some ads saying they were promising 48 hour hookups? Or is that only for basic cable?

I'm not sure. Maybe they got a lot of new customers with the special triple play offers they had going on.

Two weeks? I thought they had some ads saying they were promising 48 hour hookups? Or is that only for basic cable?That was only for the week of the OTA analog cutoff back in June.

There is a new DCX series with a 250G drive

Does anyone know if these are being given out to customers yet? Also, any news about a HD on-screen interface?

This was posted over on DSL Reports:

NEW UPDATE:

For the chicago area (IL, IN, western edge of MI), there will be a total of 51 cities/communities to change to the World of more, with all digital programming.

The service upgrades, which are yet to be dated, will soon include close to 100 HD channels, a ton of International/ethnic programming (which is now scarce per area), including a spanish tier of cable, that is only available in chicago (all digital) right now.

For the internet, the goal is 100MB speeds, another increase in speed.

*please note, again, the service changes are yet to be announced, but the systems are to be digital in 51 locations by Dec 2009 starting with Romeoville on Sept 29th.

World of More Communities, Chicago Area, up to Dec 2009.

Aurora, Batavia, Bolingbrook, Boulder Hill, Braidwood, Bristol Township, Carbon Hill, Channahon, Coal City, Lockport, Countryside Estates, Crest Hill, Custer Park, Diamond, Elgin Township, Four Lakes Village, Frankfort, Frankfort Township, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Goose Lake Township, Grundy, Homer Township, Joliet, Kane County, Kendall County (portions of), Lake Holiday, Lemont, Lily Lake, Lisle, Lockport Township, Minooka, Mokena, Montgomery, Morris, Naperville, New Lenox, New Lenox Township, North Aurora, Oswego, Plainfield, Plainfield Township, Plano, Rockdale, Romeoville, Sandwich, Shorewood, St. Charles, Troy Township, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheatland (portions of), Wheaton, Wildwood Communities, Will County (portions of), Wilmington, Winfield, Yorkville

My July 19, 2009, statement for service in Chicago Area 2 includes this:

IMPORTANT NOTICE - SERVICE CHANGES EFFECTIVE
7/30/09: ESPN Classic ch 403 will move to the Sports
Entertainment Package and will no longer be available
with Digital Classic. ESPNU ch 405, NFL Network ch
168/412, NFL Network HD ch 169, NHL Network ch 404,
NHL Network HD ch 234, NBA TV ch 439 and NBA TV HD
ch 235 will be added to Digital Classic. ESPNews ch 402,
ESPNews HD ch 231, ESPNU ch 405, MLB Network ch 410
and MLB Network HD ch 233 will be added to the Sports
Entertainment Package. Not all channels are available
in all areas.

There's nothing about any new channels or new HD channels.

The sports channel changes are pretty much being done across the entire country in one form or another.

Does anyone know if these are being given out to customers yet? Also, any news about a HD on-screen interface?I was having issues with my dvr and long story short and 2 boxes later, comcast wanted to send me out one. I asked her for a newer one. Pretty much said i get what i get but a week later, a dcx box came in the mail. The address on the box was the comcast office in elmhurst. I am out in glen ellyn. Box looks awesome and is pretty responsive. The remote that came with it feels better but lacks the 30 second skip. No codes worked. If i use my old remote from my older box, it works fine. Hdmi did not work for a week or two but i tried it today and it worked fine. (All i got was a green screen with audio.) I wonder if they did a update on it.

The DCX's appear to support 2 remote codes, or the newer code is just mapped differently. You can check on http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/ to see if somebody has found a 30-sec skip for the DCX's unique code. I assume the DCX came with the dark-silver remote, versus the bright silver Comcast has used before.

I spoke to a Comcast supervisor who was working on the lines in my neighborhood (upload power level was 52 at the tap, doh!). He said the far northern Chicago suburbs (Waukegan area, etc) should be getting 100mbps net and all of the "world of more" hd/programming in March/April 2010.

The DCX's appear to support 2 remote codes, or the newer code is just mapped differently. You can check on http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/ to see if somebody has found a 30-sec skip for the DCX's unique code. I assume the DCX came with the dark-silver remote, versus the bright silver Comcast has used before.Yeah, it's the dark-silver remote. I love the feel of it and how the buttons work but the lack of 30 second skip sucks. I was able to map the help key for 30 second skip in aux mode but only worked when i hit aux, then the help key, when finished, go back to cable by hitting that button.

Off topic, but you or does anybody know how to get this remote allow me to use aux mode when i hit a key? (The aux key light up when i press it, kinda how volume lights up the tv light at the top when you press it. Even though your in cable mode.).

Yeah, it's the dark-silver remote. I love the feel of it and how the buttons work but the lack of 30 second skip sucks. I was able to map the help key for 30 second skip in aux mode but only worked when i hit aux, then the help key, when finished, go back to cable by hitting that button.

Off topic, but you or does anybody know how to get this remote allow me to use aux mode when i hit a key? (The aux key light up when i press it, kinda how volume lights up the tv light at the top when you press it. Even though your in cable mode.).
You didn't quite program it right:
Hold SETUP until device key blinks
Type 994, should get 2 blinks
Press/release Aux, then press/release Setup, then type 173 (or 0173, or 00173, depending on the remote)
Press/release Cable
Press Help
You should get two blinks.

Generically, it is FROM device-key, then TO device-key. By doing the above, you map from Aux-special code to Cable-Help.

You may want to look into getting a JP1.x cable from the site I linked to above. You can then program the remote with your computer. It's more geeky than user friendly, as it's all been done by experimenters, not official software.

The DCX's appear to support 2 remote codes, or the newer code is just mapped differently. You can check on http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/ to see if somebody has found a 30-sec skip for the DCX's unique code. I assume the DCX came with the dark-silver remote, versus the bright silver Comcast has used before.


I just picked up a DCX 3400 and she gave me used bright silver remote
Did she give me the wrong one? I do not like the idea of giving out used remotes. I wonder if Comcast will send me a new one.

As long as it works, I wouldn't worry about it. I think the only difference in the remotes is that the other is just newer. The silver remote may or may not be used. Unless it was rarely used (mine likes new as it's never used), it should be obvious if it's new or not.

Is anyone getting NFLHD with Digital classic? I'm getting NFL on 168 but not NFLHD on 169.

We are getting it (NFL HD) here in Naperville along with ESPNU, but the NBA and NHL HD channels have yet to appear.

I just picked up a DCX 3400 and she gave me used bright silver remote
Did she give me the wrong one? I do not like the idea of giving out used remotes. I wonder if Comcast will send me a new one.

I just got the service hooked up on Saturday. I have a standard box, HD box and a HD DVR. The standard box appeared to be new, or in at least good enough condition that it could pass for new. The HD box and the HD DVR were both quite unsightly. All 3 boxes were Motorolas. I think the model # for the HD DVR was a DCT 6412 III, or something like that.

Besides the fact that they were these gargantuan 1950's looking things, they were kind of beat up as well....scratched up and dirty. I hate to be an electronics snob, but I was not pleased or impressed. I'm sure most of the AV crowd here takes a certain pride in their equipment and setup, and even though these were in cabinets they bothered me.

Anyway, turns out that the standard box didn't work...the best looking one. When I went to exchange it, I commented about the condition of the working receivers. It seemed kind of odd to me that a new customer would get shabby looking equipment upon installation. The lady proceeded to show me what turned out to be the Motorola DCX 3400 (dual tuner HD DVR) and the Pace (?) RNG-110 (HD cable box). Both of which looked like they have been designed and produced this decade. I came back the next day to exchange the other two.

The DCX 3400 works fine so far. No complaints. The Pace RNG-110 appears to be a piece of garbage. The first one I got wouldn't get channels past about 22. If you tried to change the channel higher than that, the picture freezes, and the sound disappears. It acts like it changes the channel but nothing ever happens. If you hit "last" it goes back to the functioning channels...all 18 of them or so. I took it back the next day, got another one and it does the exact same thing. The guy at the service center said that those have been hit or miss. They have had a fair number of problems. Somehow though when they ran the diagnostic, it said something was wrong in the line. The other 2 are working fine, so it seems it would be the box.

A service tech is coming out on Saturday. Hopefully it can be resolved, even if I have to go back to the Piece Of **** box (POSH).

Has anyone else had any experience with this Pace RNG-110 cable box. For reference, I am hooking it up directly to the TV through an HDMI cable, which works fine with other components.

Sorry for the long tale, but it has been frustrating.:(

We are getting it (NFL HD) here in Naperville along with ESPNU, but the NBA and NHL HD channels have yet to appear.

Getting NFL(168), NBAHD(235), NHLHD(234), ESPNU(405), but not getting NFLHD(169) here in the city.

Getting NFL(168), NBAHD(235), NHLHD(234), ESPNU(405), but not getting NFLHD(169) here in the city.
As of 4PM, all are working here in Schaumburg, other than NBAHD and NHLHD, which aren't even carried here. This morning (about 9 or 10am), only the new ESPNU was working. Here, ESPNU is on 777MHz (analog 121), encrypted, of course.

It's been a while since I last updated this list, and there have been a few changes in the channel line-up with regards to service levels. So here's the updated list, I think I captured all of the changes.

If you see any errors, please let me know and I'll fix it ASAP.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3773450473_886febccb0_o.png

If you see any errors, please let me know and I'll fix it ASAP.Thank you.  One thing: you can remove the notation for channel 238.

I just got the service hooked up on Saturday. I have a standard box, HD box and a HD DVR. The standard box appeared to be new, or in at least good enough condition that it could pass for new. The HD box and the HD DVR were both quite unsightly. All 3 boxes were Motorolas. I think the model # for the HD DVR was a DCT 6412 III, or something like that.

Besides the fact that they were these gargantuan 1950's looking things, they were kind of beat up as well....scratched up and dirty. I hate to be an electronics snob, but I was not pleased or impressed. I'm sure most of the AV crowd here takes a certain pride in their equipment and setup, and even though these were in cabinets they bothered me.

Anyway, turns out that the standard box didn't work...the best looking one. When I went to exchange it, I commented about the condition of the working receivers. It seemed kind of odd to me that a new customer would get shabby looking equipment upon installation. The lady proceeded to show me what turned out to be the Motorola DCX 3400 (dual tuner HD DVR) and the Pace (?) RNG-110 (HD cable box). Both of which looked like they have been designed and produced this decade. I came back the next day to exchange the other two.

The DCX 3400 works fine so far. No complaints. The Pace RNG-110 appears to be a piece of garbage. The first one I got wouldn't get channels past about 22. If you tried to change the channel higher than that, the picture freezes, and the sound disappears. It acts like it changes the channel but nothing ever happens. If you hit "last" it goes back to the functioning channels...all 18 of them or so. I took it back the next day, got another one and it does the exact same thing. The guy at the service center said that those have been hit or miss. They have had a fair number of problems. Somehow though when they ran the diagnostic, it said something was wrong in the line. The other 2 are working fine, so it seems it would be the box.

A service tech is coming out on Saturday. Hopefully it can be resolved, even if I have to go back to the Piece Of **** box (POSH).

Has anyone else had any experience with this Pace RNG-110 cable box. For reference, I am hooking it up directly to the TV through an HDMI cable, which works fine with other components.

Sorry for the long tale, but it has been frustrating.:(

Probably a different version, but I have one of those old-looking Motorola boxes (but for SD). They are junk. I am on my 5th one and only about a year of digital service. Over time the pixellation and errors get increasingly worse, and the only fix is to replace the box. These are pretty old, since they have the older Moto logo which was changed early this decade.

Probably a different version, but I have one of those old-looking Motorola boxes (but for SD). They are junk. I am on my 5th one and only about a year of digital service. Over time the pixellation and errors get increasingly worse, and the only fix is to replace the box. These are pretty old, since they have the older Moto logo which was changed early this decade.

Anyone out there have any experience with this Pace RNG-110 HD box?

By the way, due to all the running back and forth this week, I really haven't had a chance to sit down and try and enjoy some sweet HD. Last night I had a few minutes, and much to my satisfaction it was sweet. I was watching a bit of the X-games on one of the ESPN HD channels, and it looked very good on my XBR8. I've also gotten a chance to watch a bit of HD programming on the Speed Channel, and for the most part that looks fantastic as well.

However, I was a bit disappointed with the quality of the feed while watching some World Superbike races. It was definitely better than the SD feed, but not as good as some other Speed HD programming I caught a glance at. That makes me think it's more related to the source than the signal. I'll see how the next race looks. Any Motorcycle racing fans out there notice the same thing?

One issue is Speed's source. Many races outside the US are sourced from local broadcasters or 'world feed'. It may not be true HD, but just widescreen 480i or 576i (converted PAL).

With the coming switch to Digital in the Chicago area, will more channels be sent in ClearQAM?

I have a TivoHD with an M card, but I am thinking about getting a couple of small 19 or 22" Vizio's with ClearQAM tuners for the bedroom and kitchen/dining room and would like to tune in more than just the locals. Channels like CNNHD, FoodHD, etc. would be nice.

Thanks for any info.

With the coming switch to Digital in the Chicago area, will more channels be sent in ClearQAM?Not likely.  In the city we get much the same set of channels by clear QAM as those in Basic service, plus a couple and minus a couple.

Not likely.* In the city we get much the same set of channels by clear QAM as those in Basic service, plus a couple and minus a couple.

But if his area goes with DTA's, most definitely expanded basic SD channels would - but NOT those in HD that he mentioned...

I just stopped at the Schaumburg office and picked up a DCX-3400

have yet to set it up though

I just stopped at the Schaumburg office and picked up a DCX-3400

have yet to set it up though


I picked one up last week. Nice unit but I have a sound issue.
On channels 177SyfiHD, 218DiscoveryHD, and 221USAHD it takes about 5 or more seconds before I hear sound after the picture shows up.
221USAHD is the worse. Sometimes it takes about 10 or more second before I hear anything. Comcast says its a problem with the box.
Its brand new. Motorola says its a problem with Comcast. I need to talk with a level 2 rep at Comcast. Wish me good luck.

Channel 599 is now carrying WOCH (instead of WOCK), with no call letters and no schedule or guide information.

On the Chicago OTA thread, people who can receive DT4 have been reporting that lately 13.1 (which had WOCK) is blank and silent while 13.2 still carries WOCH.

I picked one up last week. Nice unit but I have a sound issue.
On channels 177SyfiHD, 218DiscoveryHD, and 221USAHD it takes about 5 or more seconds before I hear sound after the picture shows up.
221USAHD is the worse. Sometimes it takes about 10 or more second before I hear anything. Comcast says its a problem with the box.
Its brand new. Motorola says its a problem with Comcast. I need to talk with a level 2 rep at Comcast. Wish me good luck.

I also picked up one of those DCX3400 DVRs last week. I sometimes have the same issue with the audio when changing channels. It doesn't really bother me though. Other than that, so far, this unit works great! I have mine set to display native resolutions.

I haven't had a problem with my DCX yet. It did take a while to set up though, but once it was activated it worked great. Menus and stuff do seem faster.

I picked one up last week. Nice unit but I have a sound issue.
On channels 177SyfiHD, 218DiscoveryHD, and 221USAHD it takes about 5 or more seconds before I hear sound after the picture shows up.
221USAHD is the worse. Sometimes it takes about 10 or more second before I hear anything. Comcast says its a problem with the box.
Its brand new. Motorola says its a problem with Comcast. I need to talk with a level 2 rep at Comcast. Wish me good luck.

How is it hooked up? Are you using HDMI for video and/or audio? Motorola's seem to have issues with the HDCP used over HDMI/DVI, no matter what the model.

I went and picked up a DCX3400 today. Actually, I had to do it twice because the first box wouldn't authenticate, but the second one works and I am very happy with the new box's performance and increased storage - 250GB hard drive, up from 160GB in my previous DCH6416.

Switching channels is noticeably faster, with no long pauses or lag between the button presses and the box actually switching channels. Once in a while I do get a brief flash of garbage on the screen before the new picture kicks in, but it's a minor problem to me and I can live with it. Someone mentioned a problem with audio occasionally not coming in right away, and I've noticed that on a couple of channels. I'll change channels and while the video comes on right away, it takes several seconds before the audio comes on. It's only happened a couple of times so far, and I'm waiting for the programming guide to fully load up before I play around with it some more. I'm especially eager to see if the DVR programming fiasco is somehow dealt with and fixed on this new box. I hated the daily routine of deleting scheduled recordings of reruns which shouldn't have been queued in the first place.

Anyway, if anyone is wondering whether the switch is worth it or not, I'd say go ahead and give it a shot. The box is smaller, faster, and has more storage than the previous version.

One note: Although the new remote looks the same as the older one, the customer service lady at the Comcast office made a point to make sure I got the newer remote (it has dark grey finish, as opposed to silver).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/3790170538_78a118304b.jpg
Newer model is on the left. And I did wear out the FAV button on my old remote because I programmed it to do a 30 second skip.

Apparently, some of the key mapping are different. I don't have specifics, but I do know that some of the offline command keys work on the new remote but don't on the older model. So if you get the DCX3400, make sure you get the new remote with it.

How is it hooked up? Are you using HDMI for video and/or audio? Motorola's seem to have issues with the HDCP used over HDMI/DVI, no matter what the model.

I am using the component video cables they gave me with L-R
RCA audio hookups. I have even tried a HDMI cable and still have
the same problem.

Tonight on 177 Scyfy HD it took a good 20 seconds before I
finally had sound. I do want to point out that I do not have this problem with the SD (480i) versions of these channels.
Thanks.

One thing I had to get used to with the DCX is how sensitive the front panel is. It has touch sensitive buttons

I can no longer get WGN or ABC HD channels due to heavy pixelation, I'm in Evanston. Anyone else had this issue and found the solution?

I can no longer get WGN or ABC HD channels due to heavy pixelation, I'm in Evanston. Anyone else had this issue and found the solution?

I've had this problem for the past 3 weeks. Sometimes all I get is a black screen with a message saying something about wait while they get the channel or the channel is unavailable. It is worst on CBS HD and ABC HD.

I exchanged two older boxes for two DCX3400's this week. Activation was simple and fast, but I noticed one of the boxes was extremely loud while the other was fairly silent. It's either the fan or hard drive I believe. I'm going to try to return the noisy one sometime this week. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to keep the box on native mode or just go with 1080i. It can be a little annoying with the delay from going to the different formats. Unless I'm missing something, the guide is still in 4:3 mode. I wish they could make it 16:9. My uncle in California has a box from Cox that beats anything Comcast in the Chicagoland area has.

I exchanged two older boxes for two DCX3400's this week. Activation was simple and fast, but I noticed one of the boxes was extremely loud while the other was fairly silent. It's either the fan or hard drive I believe. I'm going to try to return the noisy one sometime this week. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to keep the box on native mode or just go with 1080i. It can be a little annoying with the delay from going to the different formats. Unless I'm missing something, the guide is still in 4:3 mode. I wish they could make it 16:9. My uncle in California has a box from Cox that beats anything Comcast in the Chicagoland area has.


Do you have any problems with a delay in the sound when changing
HD channels? I have a big delay in the sound with certain HD channels on my DCX3400.
Especially with 177Syfy HD and 221USA HD.
Sometime it takes a good 20 seconds before I hear anything.
I have already replaced the box once, same problem.

I've had this problem for the past 3 weeks. Sometimes all I get is a black screen with a message saying something about wait while they get the channel or the channel is unavailable. It is worst on CBS HD and ABC HD.I've barely been able to get either of those two stations over the air for about the past week.

I reported it in the local OTA thread, but no one else said anything else about it, so I thought it was just me. Maybe it isn't.

Do you have any problems with a delay in the sound when changing
HD channels? I have a big delay in the sound with certain HD channels on my DCX3400.
Especially with 177Syfy HD and 221USA HD.
Sometime it takes a good 20 seconds before I hear anything.
I have already replaced the box once, same problem.

Yeah, there is a definite delay, don't know about 20 seconds though.

I can no longer get WGN or ABC HD channels due to heavy pixelation, I'm in Evanston. Anyone else had this issue and found the solution?

I think in most of the Chicago area, WGN and ABC (and their subchannels) are on the same frequency. It's probably an issue with that one frequency being weak or having interference in your area. Here in Schaumburg, I haven't noticed any problems with either. I watched Defying Gravity on ABC with no issues.

That said, one TV that is directly connected sometimes shows a bit of pixelation on those channels when tuning in ClearQAM.

I can no longer get WGN or ABC HD channels due to heavy pixelation, I'm in Evanston. Anyone else had this issue and found the solution?

I had this problem several months back, but it was only happening during wet weather. My solution was a service call. The tech found that the ground block on the side of my house was basically junk.

I exchanged two older boxes for two DCX3400's this week. Activation was simple and fast, but I noticed one of the boxes was extremely loud while the other was fairly silent. It's either the fan or hard drive I believe. I'm going to try to return the noisy one sometime this week. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to keep the box on native mode or just go with 1080i. It can be a little annoying with the delay from going to the different formats. Unless I'm missing something, the guide is still in 4:3 mode. I wish they could make it 16:9. My uncle in California has a box from Cox that beats anything Comcast in the Chicagoland area has.

Mine is kind of loud too, and I think it is the hard drive as well. I thought it sounded more like a vibration resonance issue between the receiver and the wood stand I have it sitting in. I had planned on putting some felt pads or something under the feet to see if that would help, but I just haven't gotten around to it.

Of course if it is just a loud box, then it won't work. It's such a pain in the ass to get to the comcast center and then have them activate it, I'll probably just deal with it, if it does turn out to be a loud unit.

This is probably old news, but I got the letter about Expanded Basic going all digital a month or so ago. I checked the thread on DSL reports and went to this website
http://www.comcast.com/DIGITALNOW/
copied in my account number and filled out the web form. I will be getting my 2 free DTA's in the next few weeks.

I live in Yorkville off of the Plano head end.

From what I read on the DIGITALNOW faq I do not think the expanded basic channels will be sent clear QAM, only the broadcast channels.

I've had this problem for the past 3 weeks. Sometimes all I get is a black screen with a message saying something about wait while they get the channel or the channel is unavailable. It is worst on CBS HD and ABC HD.

It sounds like it is time for a truck roll. I've googled quite a bit on this issue. It sounds like Comcast will often blame wiring within you home, but the problem is actually the old infrastructure of their system outside your home.

BTW, now I'm lucky to get the pixelation. Now I just get the black screen.

If anyone has success with a tech in fixing the problem besides radio please post here or PM me. That way I can point the tech in the right direction.

If your having issues with comcast and have a dslreports account, try posting in the comcast direct forum. When you post, only you and a comcast rep can see it. It's safe. I did it and got my issue resolved a lot quicker than using the 800 number.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/comcastdirect

Doesn't it just make you sick that you have the nice new DCX box, but the guide is still the worst in the industry?

Doesn't it just make you sick that you have the nice new DCX box, but the guide is still the worst in the industry?Oh yes.. Native res is nice but it seems to switch resolutions when the local ads kick in. Still 480 but tv turns black for a second or two. I gave up and put it back on 1080i.

It's been a while since I last updated this list, and there have been a few changes in the channel line-up with regards to service levels. So here's the updated list, I think I captured all of the changes.

If you see any errors, please let me know and I'll fix it ASAP.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3773450473_886febccb0_o.png

What's the deal with all these Chicago only HD channels? Why aren't they out in the burbs (Oswego)? Coming soon hopefully?

Also, can I call Comcast and request a DCX3400 box or is it one of those things where they say if I come in and they have one, I can get one?

Chicago is an All Digital System, Suburbs still have analog

Chicago is an All Digital System

Technically NOT - the city STILL has limited basic in analog; just not expanded basic...

What's the deal with all these Chicago only HD channels? Why aren't they out in the burbs (Oswego)? Coming soon hopefully?

Also, can I call Comcast and request a DCX3400 box or is it one of those things where they say if I come in and they have one, I can get one?

This is why I left Comcast. I was paying the same amount for Digital Classic in Westmont as my friends in Chicago and they were getting 20 HD channels more than I was.

I switched to U-Verse and ain't looking back. U-Verse finally fixed their audio drop problems and their compression has vastly improved. And before anyone says anything about limitation of HD streams, I only watch one TV at a time and rarely record, so multiple HD streams mean nothing to me.

This is why I left Comcast. I was paying the same amount for Digital Classic in Westmont as my friends in Chicago and they were getting 20 HD channels more than I was.

I switched to U-Verse and ain't looking back. U-Verse finally fixed their audio drop problems and their compression has vastly improved. And before anyone says anything about limitation of HD streams, I only watch one TV at a time and rarely record, so multiple HD streams mean nothing to me.

I get a a couple more hd channels in glen ellyn vs. westmont. I get these stations that westmont doesn't get.

Hallmark Movie Channel HD
Planet Green HD
Encore HD
Fox Business Network HD
CNBC HD
BIO HD
Bravo HD
Fuse HD
Independent Film Channel HD
WE HD
QVC HD
Disney XD HD
MGM HD

I wonder if the old mediacom system is 750 vs. the west chicago system. (860?). I do watch Disney XD hd occasionally. Cartoons in HD is pretty sweet! Who needs QVC in HD though. And Fuse HD isn't very good. Just regular fuse, just fills the entire screen and is in 1080i. I have yet to see anything in HD. Better than 480i though.

I switched to U-Verse and ain't looking back. U-Verse finally fixed their audio drop problems and their compression has vastly improved. And before anyone says anything about limitation of HD streams, I only watch one TV at a time and rarely record, so multiple HD streams mean nothing to me.
Then you are going to love this:
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/ATT-Brings-Pop-Up-Ads-To-UVerse-TV-103928

Picked up a new DCX3400 to replace the noisy one I posted about a page or two back. So far so good, very silent. Still has that audio delay thing sometimes when switching channels in native mode, especially on SyFi. I think that is probably a firmware issue.

Picked up a new DCX3400 to replace the noisy one I posted about a page or two back. So far so good, very silent. Still has that audio delay thing sometimes when switching channels in native mode, especially on SyFi. I think that is probably a firmware issue.
I looked up the DCX3400 and found this page from Motorola:

http://www.motorola.com/business/US-EN/DCX3400_US-EN.do?vgnextoid=0ac33ead2d4c9110VgnVCM1000008406b00aRCRD

Is the MoCA™ Home Networking enabled? Does that mean we can record on the DVR and then access it from other units in the house?

Can anyone advise if Comcast HD boxes (DVR or regular) output on HDMI and component at the same time? I'm wondering if I can send a signal to two HDTV's at the same time from one box.

Can anyone advise if Comcast HD boxes (DVR or regular) output on HDMI and component at the same time? I'm wondering if I can send a signal to two HDTV's at the same time from one box.

Yes. All outputs are active at the same time. If there is an HDMI/HDCP issue, though, I think even the component outputs will shut down.

Saw this in today's bill:
IMPORTANT NOTICE- THE FOLLOWING SERVICE CHANGE IS EFFECTIVE 8/25/09. A new international premium service, TV Polonia Package, will become available for the monthly price of $19.99, plus applicable fees and taxes. The TV Polonia Package will include TV Polonia, TVP INFO, and Polskie Radio 1 & 3 on channels 675-678. Not all services are available in all areas. A subscription to Basic Service is required to receive other levels of video service. Other restrictions apply. Call Comcast for complete details.

Those channels are not active here, yet.

If they are like the other ethnic channels, I assume they are heavily compressed. 14 of the Spanish-language ones are on one frequency. Of the other ethnics, there are only 7, so I'm guessing the Polish ones will end up with them.

But then, I think hvstrk (?) or somebody mentioned that FBT looks so bad because the source material is generally very poor to begin with.

Picked up a new DCX3400 to replace the noisy one I posted about a page or two back. So far so good, very silent. Still has that audio delay thing sometimes when switching channels in native mode, especially on SyFi. I think that is probably a firmware issue.


I'm having this same problem on the same channel. Channel 177Scyfy HD. I also have this problem on 221USAHD. This has got to be some kind of firmware issue. It seems this box has problems with audio on
certain HD frequencys. We all need to complain to Comcast so they will
fix it.

I was just checking out the on demand offerings, and HBO on Demand is now in HD! :D:D:D Finally!

It's been offered for the last few weeks. There is also an add for it on the http://www.comcast.com (http://comcast.com) web site.

Today I got a message from my local Comcast service manager stating it is a known issue with audio problems
with HD channels on the DCX 3400. They are working
with Motorola on a firmware update to take care of
the problem.

Fox HD was starting to get some video & audio dropouts last night. I thought it might be the DVR acting up. But tonight it's real bad, even using the TV's QAM tuner. Called Comcast & the person I spoke with said they've had about a 1,000 phone calls in ten minutes & their techs are working on it.

I looked up the DCX3400 and found this page from Motorola:

http://www.motorola.com/business/US-EN/DCX3400_US-EN.do?vgnextoid=0ac33ead2d4c9110VgnVCM1000008406b00aRCRD

Is the MoCA™ Home Networking enabled? Does that mean we can record on the DVR and then access it from other units in the house?

I doubt it, unless someone proves me wrong. Can we even add a hard drive via esata or usb legally? Probably not because that would be too convenient.

I just did a Live Chat with Comcast re the Fox HD problem. Here's what they said.

Comcast >
As I check the details regarding the issue on FOX HD, our technician are working with the experts of FX Network to fix this issue as we are having our signal upgrade to be able to deliver more choices for your FOX Network channels.

We are expecting that this system upgrade will be finished within 24 hours as our experts are almost done in upgrading the signals and the reception.

This is probably old news, but I got the letter about Expanded Basic going all digital a month or so ago. I checked the thread on DSL reports and went to this website
http://www.comcast.com/DIGITALNOW/
copied in my account number and filled out the web form. I will be getting my 2 free DTA's in the next few weeks.

I live in Yorkville off of the Plano head end.

From what I read on the DIGITALNOW faq I do not think the expanded basic channels will be sent clear QAM, only the broadcast channels.

Got 2 DTA's yesterday. They are the Pace brand. I hooked them up and activated them on the website with the unique ID number. Had signal in less than a minute. The channels are the same as expanded basic lineup. The only channels above 100 are a few Comcast, public access, shopping, and SD OTA channels.

I also checked the clear QAM channels on my LCD TV. It looks like all of the channels that are available to the DTA's are available as clear QAM. Only the broadcast channels are mapped by PSIP to their regular channel number, the rest are mapped to their actual QAM channel.

I started getting NFL Network, which I guess I knew was coming. I also noticed I started getting the NHL Network. I don't subscribe to the Sports/Entertainment Tier. Is the NHL Network a permanent change or is this just a teaser?

"Permanent" until the next contract negotiation or package shuffle. This was in my last statement:

IMPORTANT NOTICE - SERVICE CHANGES EFFECTIVE 7/30/09: ESPN Classic ch 403 will move to the Sports Entertainment Package and will no longer be available with Digital Classic. ESPNU ch 405, NFL Network ch 168/412, NFL Network HD ch 169, NHL Network ch 404 and NBA TV ch 439 will be added to Digital Classic. ESPNews ch 402, ESPNews HD ch 231, ESPNU ch 405, MLB Network ch 410 and MLB Network HD ch 233 will be added to the Sports Entertainment Package. Not all channels are available in all areas.

Note that there is no mention of NHL Network HD.

I got a letter from Comcast yesterday.

Effective 9/30/09, the following HD Channels will be added to Digital Starter. An HD cable box and HD television are requiered to view HD Channels.

CH 225 Nickeloodeon HD
CH 226 Cartoon Network HD
CH 228 Lifetine HD
CH 262 E! HD
CH 287 Style HD
CH 288 G4 HD
CH 290 Spike HD
CH 293 Travel Channel HD
CH 294 Comedy Central HD
CH 296 MTV HD
CH 297 VHI HD

Effective 9/30/09, the following HD Channels will be added to Digital Classic.

CH 234 NHL Network HD
CH 235 NBA TV HD
CH 289 TV One HD

Effective 9/30/09, the following HD Channels will be added to Digital Starz subscriptions.

CH 257 Starz Kids & Family HD
CH 258 Starz Comedy HD
CH 259 Starz Edge HD

Effective 9/29/09, the following Expanded Basic channels will begin to be transmitted in digital only format.

CH 30 TV Land
CH 32 Cartoon Network
CH 38 Lifetine
CH 39 AMC
CH 41 HGTV
CH 42 TLC
CH 46 E!
CH 48 FX
CH 52 TNT
CH 57 The Wheather Channel
CH 58 MSNBC
CH 60 MTV
CH 64 The Food Network
CH 66 Animal Planet
CH 69 Travel Channel
CH 71 VERSUS

I got a letter from Comcast yesterday.

Effective 9/30/09, the following HD Channels will be added to Digital Starter. An HD cable box and HD television are requiered to view HD Channels.

CH 225 Nickeloodeon HD
CH 226 Cartoon Network HD
CH 228 Lifetine HD
CH 262 E! HD
CH 287 Style HD
CH 288 G4 HD
CH 290 Spike HD
CH 293 Travel Channel HD
CH 294 Comedy Central HD
CH 296 MTV HD
CH 297 VHI HD


mad20, what city do you live in?

I am in the suburbs of Chicago. I'm in West Chicago.

http://www.kcchronicle.com/articles/2009/08/20/74749163/index.xml

I got a letter from Comcast yesterday.

I received that same letter a couple days ago, but I'd already received my DTAs. I connected them last night, activated via the Comcast Web site and had a picture within 10 seconds.

The picture is noticeably clearer on my SD sets, and the DTAs appear to change channels a little bit faster than the last DCT box I had years ago. I'm not happy about having to modify my TiVo setup to use IR tents with these DTAs, but these older TiVos may end up getting retired anyway.

Effective 9/30/09, the following HD Channels will be added to Digital Classic.

CH 234 NHL Network HD
CH 235 NBA TV HD
CH 289 TV One HD

Effective 9/30/09, the following HD Channels will be added to Digital Starz subscriptions.

CH 257 Starz Kids & Family HD
CH 258 Starz Comedy HD
CH 259 Starz Edge HDThanks for posting this! I am in the west chicago system. Can't wait for these!

I know this is an HDTV thread, but I gotta ask. I recently added Comcast telephone and internet to my exsisting digital cable. Anyway, they had to run a new line into my home from the green box in my neighbors yard. They said the signal was bad. So, ever since getting it last week I have had the phone and internet go out for about 10-15 minutes at a time. At times it will come back on its own, but sometimes it required the cable modem to be reset (white button). Also, I have had some people try and call me and cannot get through even when the phone is working? I have a tech coming out Monday to further investigate. Anyone have any similar issues?

Thanks

I know this is an HDTV thread, but I gotta ask. I recently added Comcast telephone and internet to my exsisting digital cable. Anyway, they had to run a new line into my home from the green box in my neighbors yard. They said the signal was bad. So, ever since getting it last week I have had the phone and internet go out for about 10-15 minutes at a time. At times it will come back on its own, but sometimes it required the cable modem to be reset (white button). Also, I have had some people try and call me and cannot get through even when the phone is working? I have a tech coming out Monday to further investigate. Anyone have any similar issues?

Thanks

Sorry Gov. I've had all 3 services for about a month now, and no problems like that. Maybe you ought to have a talk with your Dragon about scaring your other electronic components.;)

Sorry Gov. I've had all 3 services for about a month now, and no problems like that. Maybe you ought to have a talk with your Dragon about scaring your other electronic components.;)

I have the Phoenix :D

I have the Phoenix :D

doh! I knew they were scared.:p

I know this is an HDTV thread, but I gotta ask. I recently added Comcast telephone and internet to my exsisting digital cable. Anyway, they had to run a new line into my home from the green box in my neighbors yard. They said the signal was bad. So, ever since getting it last week I have had the phone and internet go out for about 10-15 minutes at a time. At times it will come back on its own, but sometimes it required the cable modem to be reset (white button). Also, I have had some people try and call me and cannot get through even when the phone is working? I have a tech coming out Monday to further investigate. Anyone have any similar issues?

Thanks

Never had problems like that, the only issue I've had with Triple Play is the horrible quality Moto boxes they supply, they tend to die over a few months. These are the SD ones.

I have only seen one issue with the telephone service, it will sometimes ring the phone only once, but not drop the call. Don't know if this is something to do with my cordless phone, but it started after getting the service.

I'm a noob here, I admit -- we just got our first HD tv over the weekend, plugged the cable into it and wow! (Comcast digital classic or whatever that first level after basic is.)

But is this right, I need to hook up an extra box to get the most out of the new tv? to get more HD channels?

Well Comcast came out today and checked my signal for internet and phone. He said it was 48dB? Which is good he said. He swapped out my modem with a brand new one which replaced my older refurb one that they originally gave me. So far so good!

My digital cable has been out all day. OnDemand also doesn't work. Anyone else having issues? It's just my box, the analogs have been fine.

My digital cable has been out all day. OnDemand also doesn't work. Anyone else having issues? It's just my box, the analogs have been fine.

Everything's working fine here...

Nevermind, I reset the box and it's fine now. The service rep said there was an outage, but I guess it had to be unplugged before it would work again.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22921287

Comcast has been granted a waiver, allowing them to use the basic encryption on the DTA boxes. Odds are, anything other than basic will be encrypted. I wouldn't be surprised if they get nasty and encrypt everything.

*sigh*

So much for separable security. Hooray for taking a step backward!

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22921287

Comcast has been granted a waiver, allowing them to use the basic encryption on the DTA boxes. Odds are, anything other than basic will be encrypted. I wouldn't be surprised if they get nasty and encrypt everything.

I agree that this is a step backwards. That website seems to have a good number of Comcast fans that don't understand what Comcast is really trying to do. Very disappointing.

*sigh*

So much for separable security. Hooray for taking a step backward!

A step? More like a giant leap...oh well, just another nudge in the go elsewhere direction and one less reason to stay with them.

Is there someone with a good QAM analysis tool that can tell me:
1) The lowest HD QAM channel that Comcast uses. (Lowest physical channel number)
2) What the Symbol Rate and Data Rate are of that channel.
3) FEC and and what version of QAM (assuming 256 QAM)
4) Video/Audio PIDS w/ service #
I'm setting up a QAM channel in the office and can't get it right so I want to try to duplicate a Comcast channel as closely as possible. Feel free to PM me with the info.

Thanks in advance!!

HVS, at least the answer to question #1, if not all of them, is going to vary from one Comcast service area to another.

Also, you didn't say whether you're including scrambled HD QAM signals in #1 or only unscrambled ones.

I have a spreadsheet here that lists some of that data for Schaumburg:
http://home.att.net/~andyross/Schaumburg_Cable_Channels.zip

As mentioned, different areas may use different frequencies. It seems as if many NW suburbs are similar.

Also, as channels are added or removed, they move everything around. With analogs being dropped, there may be some major changes.

HVS, at least the answer to question #1, if not all of them, is going to vary from one Comcast service area to another.

Also, you didn't say whether you're including scrambled HD QAM signals in #1 or only unscrambled ones.

doesnt really matter. Just need to carbon copy one of their channels. I'm limited in frequencies I can use which is why I was looking for the lowest HD channel. Just need one or two examples to play with.

HVS: still doesn't solve the geography issue.  Are you going to be doing the experimenting in McHenry County or at 26 N. Halsted?

I think that after WYCC and Comcast both dropped 20 analog, they put WYCC on QAM 20 in my neck of the woods, including WYCC-HD (and they're PSIPping MegaHertz World to 30-3 for no good reason).  If not, the lowest QAM channel with an HD signal on it is probably 105 and the lowest QAM channel in use would be 37.  If you'd like to do the experiment on the Northwest Side or the West Side, those numbers may be of value.

HVS: still doesn't solve the geography issue.* Are you going to be doing the experimenting in McHenry County or at 26 N. Halsted?

I think that after WYCC and Comcast both dropped 20 analog, they put WYCC on QAM 20 in my neck of the woods, including WYCC-HD (and they're PSIPping MegaHertz World to 30-3 for no good reason).* If not, the lowest QAM channel with an HD signal on it is probably 105 and the lowest QAM channel in use would be 37.* If you'd like to do the experiment on the Northwest Side or the West Side, those numbers may be of value.

I am creating a QAM channel in our office. Geography means nothing. A channel is a channel. I dont have time to figure out the data rate, symbol rate, FEC, and stuff like that. Thats why I was looking for one or two examples so I can program the encoder and QAM modulator to match a Comcast channel.

Geography means nothing.Wait ... your question was unclear, but maybe now I understand it.  You're not asking for the lowest numbered QAM channel Comcast uses for HD where you're testing but the lowest numbered QAM channel they use for HD anywhere.

Well, here in Chicago Area 2 they have an HD signal at 159 MHz.  I think that's QAM channel 20.  There's an SD signal carried the same frequency as well.

No QAM tools, but the lowest Comcast channel number (in the downtown area) with HD is 20 -- for WYCC. This is based on a channel scan with my LG 3100A on 5/30/09.

Wait ... your question was unclear, but maybe now I understand it.* You're not asking for the lowest numbered QAM channel Comcast uses for HD where you're testing but the lowest numbered QAM channel they use for HD anywhere.

Well, here in Chicago Area 2 they have an HD signal at 159 MHz.* I think that's QAM channel 20.* There's an SD signal carried the same frequency as well.

I only asked for the lowest HD channel because I am limited on frequencies I can use on our In House cable system. I cannot go over 1ghz. I also cannot go below CH 38 since our analog plant resides down there.

I only asked for the lowest HD channel because I am limited on frequencies I can use on our In House cable system. I cannot go over 1ghz. I also cannot go below CH 38 since our analog plant resides down there.After 20, the next QAM channel on which Comcast has an unencrypted HD station in my area is I think 105.  But encrypted ones would count, wouldn't they?  They'd be a lot harder for me to find out, but others could.

Or Comcast's having an HD station on QAM channel 20 answer your question about the lowest frequency satisfactorily?

I only asked for the lowest HD channel because I am limited on frequencies I can use on our In House cable system. I cannot go over 1ghz. I also cannot go below CH 38 since our analog plant resides down there.
Is that 38 Cable (309MHz), or 38 broadcast (about 617MHz?).

Using cable frequencies, by me we have 20 (159MHz), 30 (261MHz), 46 (357MHz) at the low end, up to 134 (855MHz) at the high end.

These frequencies are read from the Motorola cable box, and I think are the centerpoint of the channel.

Correction: In the downtown area my LG 3100 tuner showed WYCC HD on 26.
It also showed WLS HD and WGN HD on 63, WCIU HD on 64, WBBM HD and WTTW HD on 73, WFLD HD and WMAQ HD on 74.

I'm using the Comcast remote for the Motorola and Pace receivers. They seem to work reasonably well to control the receivers. However, when it comes to controlling the TVs, they just downright suck.

For reference I have a Sony XBR4 and an XBR8. I'm using the dark grey remote, not the silver one. The only TV function I use the Comcast remote for is to turn the TV on and off, and half the time it takes 2 or 3 button presses to do that. I never seemed to have any trouble turning the TVs off with the DISH remotes.

Are most of you out there using Harmonys, or have similar problems with the Comcast remote and Sony TVs? I hate to have to buy a Harmony, even the cheaper ones aren't so cheap if you have to buy 2 of them. I may have to re-consider though, because this is getting on my nerves, and sometimes the TV ends up staying on for longer periods of time, because the family thinks it has been turned off.

I had Comcast come out and install an HD DVR about a week and a half ago. I've had no luck getting an HDMI connection to work between the DCT3412 they installed and my TV - it works with component cable only. I looked at the diagnostic screen and not only is the HDMI port listed as inactive, it's also not enabled at all. The Comcast box has the latest firmware. My problem isn't incompatibility. The HDMI port is intentionally disabled on the DCT3412 that Comcast is renting me.

I was chatting online with a Comcast 'analyst' about getting the HDMI port enabled and they told me I would have to pay an additional outlet charge of $8.99 per month if I wanted the HDMI port on the DCT3412 enabled.

Is this going on elsewhere? WTF! Can anyone comment?

I had Comcast come out and install an HD DVR about a week and a half ago. I've had no luck getting an HDMI connection to work between the DCT3412 they installed and my TV - it works with component cable only. I looked at the diagnostic screen and not only is the HDMI port listed as inactive, it's also not enabled at all. The Comcast box has the latest firmware. My problem isn't incompatibility. The HDMI port is intentionally disabled on the DCT3412 that Comcast is renting me.

I was chatting online with a Comcast 'analyst' about getting the HDMI port enabled and they told me I would have to pay an additional outlet charge of $8.99 per month if I wanted the HDMI port on the DCT3412 enabled.

Is this going on elsewhere? WTF! Can anyone comment?

I have a 3412 and the HDMI works fine on it; I'm not paying any extra charge for HDMI output. I've had it for almost 4 years now; it's one of the older ones that looks like this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:DCT3412_P1_Front_Panel.jpg).

Maybe it's a handshaking problem with your TV? Have you tried turning the TV on first (with the HDMI input selected), waiting 5 seconds or so and then turning on the box?

I was chatting online with a Comcast 'analyst' about getting the HDMI port enabled and they told me I would have to pay an additional outlet charge of $8.99 per month if I wanted the HDMI port on the DCT3412 enabled.

Is this going on elsewhere? WTF! Can anyone comment?

You don't have your location listed, but take your 3412 back to your local Comcast office and ask for a replacement. The HDMI port should work, and they should not be charging extra to enable it.

I have a 3412 and the HDMI works fine on it; I'm not paying any extra charge for HDMI output. I've had it for almost 4 years now; it's one of the older ones that looks like...
That's what mine looks like, too.

Maybe it's a handshaking problem with your TV? Have you tried turning the TV on first (with the HDMI input selected), waiting 5 seconds or so and then turning on the box?
No. The HDMI port is actually disabled on my box. When I go to the diagnostics menu -> d11 (Interface/Port Status), I get the following:

Device / Enabled / Active

Docsis / Yes / No
1394 / Yes / No
DVI/HDMI / No / No
Ethernet / Yes / No
IR Xmit / Yes / Yes
Smart Card / No / No
SPIDF / Yes / Yes
RF Bypass / No / No
USB / Yes / No
HMA Authorized / Yes / Yes
MoCA Authorized / No / No
Internal / Yes / No
External / Yes / Yes

You don't have your location listed, but take your 3412 back to your local Comcast office and ask for a replacement. The HDMI port should work, and they should not be charging extra to enable it.
I'm around the 290/294 interchange in the western suburban area. Will I have to shuttle boxes to and from Comcast until I get one that works?

This is a pain because I PAID to have this installed. Now I end up doing the work myself.

That's what mine looks like, too.


No. The HDMI port is actually disabled on my box. When I go to the diagnostics menu -> d11 (Interface/Port Status), I get the following:

Device / Enabled / Active

Docsis / Yes / No
1394 / Yes / No
DVI/HDMI / No / No
Ethernet / Yes / No
IR Xmit / Yes / Yes
Smart Card / No / No
SPIDF / Yes / Yes
RF Bypass / No / No
USB / Yes / No
HMA Authorized / Yes / Yes
MoCA Authorized / No / No
Internal / Yes / No
External / Yes / Yes

Perhaps the firmware needs to be reloaded?

I've never tried this myself, but supposedly you can do this on your own by following this procedure (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=8294550&postcount=1602).

Perhaps the firmware needs to be reloaded?

I've never tried this myself, but supposedly you can do this on your own by following this procedure (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=8294550&postcount=1602).
Okay - giving that a shot. I'll post the result when it completes.

firmware flash Result:
Latest firmware is re-installed: 16.53

DVI/HDMI port is still listed as disabled on the d11 diagnostics screen.

I'm around the 290/294 interchange in the western suburban area. Will I have to shuttle boxes to and from Comcast until I get one that works?

This is a pain because I PAID to have this installed. Now I end up doing the work myself.

I like doing it myself because I can get it done much more quickly than calling Comcast and scheduling an appointment. The women that run the Schaumburg office are always pleasant to deal with and I've never had to spend more than a few minutes getting a box swapped. Of course, if your local Comcast office is far away, then I can see why you'd want them to come to you.

Another reason to swap is to exchange your old DCH3412 for the newer DCX3400 series box. It has a 250GB hard drive in it, or roughly twice as large as the one in your 3412. And there's no charge for the swap.

I like doing it myself because I can get it done much more quickly than calling Comcast and scheduling an appointment. The women that run the Schaumburg office are always pleasant to deal with and I've never had to spend more than a few minutes getting a box swapped. Of course, if your local Comcast office is far away, then I can see why you'd want them to come to you.

Another reason to swap is to exchange your old DCH3412 for the newer DCX3400 series box. It has a 250GB hard drive in it, or roughly twice as large as the one in your 3412. And there's no charge for the swap.
I'll have to specifically ask for that when I swap mine out.

What I'd like to know is why is Comcast distributing DCT3412's with intentionally disabled DVI/HDMI ports on new installations?

firmware flash Result:
Latest firmware is re-installed: 16.53

DVI/HDMI port is still listed as disabled on the d11 diagnostics screen.

Interesting. I'm on 16.57 here, but that's not surprising as boxes on different headends frequently have different firmware versions.

Question: If you go to the setup menu (i.e. power off, then press menu on the remote), what does it show/do for:

HDMI YPbPr OUTPUT:

Mine is set to 1080i for this. Is it grayed out or missing entirely on yours (as your box seems to think there is no HDMI output at all)? If you can change it, does using a different setting (e.g. 720p or even 480p) get the HDMI output going again?

Also, there's another setup menu item called:

ADDITIONAL HDMI SETTINGS

Can you get into this one? It should bring up a submenu with an HDMI/DVI Mode choice (mine shows HDMI, the other choice is DVI). If you can get to it, does switching to the other choice get the HDMI output going again?

Interesting. I'm on 16.57 here, but that's not surprising as boxes on different headends frequently have different firmware versions.
I have a DCT3412. The wiki shows 16.53 as the latest firmware for that box.
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software#Version_16.20
(scroll up to 'Latest Known Versions by Model')

Question: If you go to the setup menu (i.e. power off, then press menu on the remote), what does it show/do for:

HDMI YPbPr OUTPUT:

Mine is set to 1080i for this. Is it grayed out or missing entirely on yours (as your box seems to think there is no HDMI output at all)? If you can change it, does using a different setting (e.g. 720p or even 480p) get the HDMI output going again?
There is no mention of HDMI on that screen, only 'YPbPr OUTPUT,' which is at 1080i.

Also, there's another setup menu item called:

ADDITIONAL HDMI SETTINGS

Can you get into this one? It should bring up a submenu with an HDMI/DVI Mode choice (mine shows HDMI, the other choice is DVI). If you can get to it, does switching to the other choice get the HDMI output going again?
I don't have the item 'ADDITIONAL HDMI SETTINGS' on my setttings menu.

I had Comcast come out and install an HD DVR about a week and a half ago. I've had no luck getting an HDMI connection to work between the DCT3412 they installed and my TV - it works with component cable only. I looked at the diagnostic screen and not only is the HDMI port listed as inactive, it's also not enabled at all. The Comcast box has the latest firmware. My problem isn't incompatibility. The HDMI port is intentionally disabled on the DCT3412 that Comcast is renting me.

I was chatting online with a Comcast 'analyst' about getting the HDMI port enabled and they told me I would have to pay an additional outlet charge of $8.99 per month if I wanted the HDMI port on the DCT3412 enabled.

Is this going on elsewhere? WTF! Can anyone comment?
Generally, the diagnostics and menus will show 'disabled' unless it's actually connected to something. Weird but true. It could be a bad cable. I also assume it's directly connected to the TV?

The Motorola's are hyper-sensitive to any DHCP handshaking issues. The slightest issue and it will disable DVI/HDMI. You may need to fiddle with the order of turning on the TV and cable box. Otherwise, give up and just use component.

Generally, the diagnostics and menus will show 'disabled' unless it's actually connected to something. Weird but true. It could be a bad cable. I also assume it's directly connected to the TV?
The HDMI cable is good. It works well connected to other home theater components. I don't think your premise is correct about ports showing as disabled when they're not in use (or have a faulty cable) because the 1394, ethernet, and USB ports show up as enabled but inactive as there's nothing connected to them - BUT they ARE enabled. The HDMI port shows up as NOT enabled and inactive. The problem seems to be that the port is actually disabled.

The Motorola's are hyper-sensitive to any DHCP handshaking issues. The slightest issue and it will disable DVI/HDMI. You may need to fiddle with the order of turning on the TV and cable box. Otherwise, give up and just use component.
You probably mean deactivate DVI/HDMI, not disable. There are two different status designations.

I have a DCT3412. The wiki shows 16.53 as the latest firmware for that box.
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software#Version_16.20
(scroll up to 'Latest Known Versions by Model')

Then the wiki is out-of-date as I definitely have DCT3412 I and it shows 16.57 as the firmware version in both the code modules/diagnostic menu and cable box setup menu.

There is no mention of HDMI on that screen, only 'YPbPr OUTPUT,' which is at 1080i.

I don't have the item 'ADDITIONAL HDMI SETTINGS' on my setttings menu.

The only other thing I can conclude is that your box is defective or that Comcast is disabling HDMI (on the board itself?) on some boxes due to its sometimes finicky nature as andyross63 mentioned.

As you've noted, the CSRs are clueless when it comes to this kind of stuff and as FSugino said, you'll probably have more luck getting a new one from a local office. If you can't get any satisfaction that way, this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=15771031&postcount=7923) discusses some alternatives.

Then the wiki is out-of-date as I definitely have DCT3412 I and it shows 16.57 as the firmware version in both the code modules/diagnostic menu and cable box setup menu.
I wonder why they'd be pushing old firmware to my box.

The only other thing I can conclude is that your box is defective or that Comcast is disabling HDMI (on the board itself?) on some boxes due to its sometimes finicky nature as andyross63 mentioned.
Maybe. If it was defective, I'd think it would say HDMI port enabled but then just not work well, or at all. As far as disabling HDMI ports... I thought the FCC required functioning HDMI/DVI ports on cable boxes now.

As you've noted, the CSRs are clueless when it comes to this kind of stuff and as FSugino said, you'll probably have more luck getting a new one from a local office. If you can't get any satisfaction that way, this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=15771031&postcount=7923) discusses some alternatives.
Thanks for that info! I'll see what I can come up with at the Comcast facility, and work my way up from there. It's still a pain in the butt, though.

I wonder why they'd be pushing old firmware to my box.

Some of the firmware updates require updates at the headend, too. 16.53 probably is the current version for your location.

According to the wiki, 16.57 just fixes some firewire problems caused by 16.53; I haven't used the firewire output on mine for a while now so I can't say w/n it still works OK. It would seem to me that this update would just fix a box problem that wouldn't require changes at the headend, but I don't know that for sure.

I suppose there's a very slight possibility that 16.53 messes up the HDMI output as well (which 16.57 corrects), although that seems unlikely for a couple of reasons:

(a) I haven't had any problem with my HDMI output in almost 4 years and I assume I was on 16.53 for a while before they pushed the 16.57 update in my area.

and

(b) If 16.53 did disable HDMI, other people on your headend would be experiencing the same problem.

Also, as we all know, the entire Comcast organization is pretty inept at everything except generating a profit. It could be that they simply missed pushing the 16.57 update in your area. Or maybe my area was a guinea pig for testing 16.57 -- or it was sent out in my area in error. Given the way these knuckleheads operate, it's a wonder that we can even turn the boxes on and get any picture (on any of the outputs) at all.

... I thought the FCC required functioning HDMI/DVI ports on cable boxes now.

See page three of this document from the FCC.

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-238850A1.pdf

• High-definition set-top boxes - Starting April 1, 2004, cable operators must supply, upon
request, high-definition set-top boxes with functional 1394 “firewire” connectors. By July
1, 2005, all high-definition set-top boxes would also require a digital visual interface
("DVI") or a high definition multimedia interface ("HDMI").

See page three of this document from the FCC.

http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-238850A1.pdf

• High-definition set-top boxes - Starting April 1, 2004, cable operators must supply, upon
request, high-definition set-top boxes with functional 1394 “firewire” connectors. By July
1, 2005, all high-definition set-top boxes would also require a digital visual interface
("DVI") or a high definition multimedia interface ("HDMI").
Thank you for that info! I thought I recalled reading about that requirement a few years ago. I wonder why Comcast is still distributing boxes with disabled HDMI ports. I told them I was going to use an HDMI cable with it, but the installer said Comcast only installs and supports component cable connections around here, so that's all they'll do.

I'm going to Comcast later today (if I have enough time before they close) to see if I can get this sorted out.

I wonder why Comcast is still distributing boxes with disabled HDMI ports.

I think you just got a bad box; I don't think Comcast knowingly distributes boxes with the HDMI ports disabled. I'm very confident a quick box swap will solve your problems.

I just had three friends hooked up with new service this week and all of them got boxes with working HDMI. Comcast definitely supports it and does not disable it.

Okay - I swapped out the DCT3412 for the DCX3400 they gave me. The HDMI port works and after the 2nd call to activate the box, all seems to be working well.

Using the HDMI ports and cable is important on this particular TV because the picture quality is much better through HDMI. I know that isn't always true.

Okay - I swapped out the DCT3412 for the DCX3400 they gave me. The HDMI port works and after the 2nd call to activate the box, all seems to be working well.

Congrats - glad to see you're a happy camper now.

Okay - I swapped out the DCT3412 for the DCX3400 they gave me. The HDMI port works and after the 2nd call to activate the box, all seems to be working well.

Using the HDMI ports and cable is important on this particular TV because the picture quality is much better through HDMI. I know that isn't always true.
Glad to hear everything went well. I agree. My experience is the same. HDMI gives better picture quality than component.

Thanks to you all for your help! :)

I'm using the Comcast remote for the Motorola and Pace receivers. They seem to work reasonably well to control the receivers. However, when it comes to controlling the TVs, they just downright suck.

For reference I have a Sony XBR4 and an XBR8. I'm using the dark grey remote, not the silver one. The only TV function I use the Comcast remote for is to turn the TV on and off, and half the time it takes 2 or 3 button presses to do that. I never seemed to have any trouble turning the TVs off with the DISH remotes.

Are most of you out there using Harmonys, or have similar problems with the Comcast remote and Sony TVs? I hate to have to buy a Harmony, even the cheaper ones aren't so cheap if you have to buy 2 of them. I may have to re-consider though, because this is getting on my nerves, and sometimes the TV ends up staying on for longer periods of time, because the family thinks it has been turned off.

Do any of you find the Comcast dark grey remote to be pretty weak, when using it to turn your TVs off? Is everyone using a Harmony remote or is everyone happy with the performance of the Comcast remote?

Do any of you find the Comcast dark grey remote to be pretty weak, when using it to turn your TVs off? Is everyone using a Harmony remote or is everyone happy with the performance of the Comcast remote?

The Comcast remote works perfectly fine with my Sammy. I also have a Harmony, but have been too lazy to program it :(

The Comcast remote works perfectly fine with my Sammy. I also have a Harmony, but have been too lazy to program it :(

Do you use the "All On" button to turn both the TV and cable box on and off?

Do you use the "All On" button to turn both the TV and cable box on and off?

Sometimes, yes.

I'm sure you know that you have to keep the remote pointed at the TV until after the cable box off command is sent. It takes a couple seconds. My girlfriend sometimes thinks that it will turn everything off immediately and sets down the remote right away, thus the TV never gets the off command.

Sometimes, yes.

I'm sure you know that you have to keep the remote pointed at the TV until after the cable box off command is sent. It takes a couple seconds. My girlfriend sometimes thinks that it will turn everything off immediately and sets down the remote right away, thus the TV never gets the off command.

I guess I'll give that a try. Even without doing it that way, sometimes it will turn off with just a press, but if the remote is pointed even slightly away from the right spot on the tv it won't turn off.

That's why I was thinking the signal was weak, because I didn't have to aim the dish remote specifically at the TV so much, and it would go off no problem.

It's kind of annoying because, the TVs are on enough with out having them on when we think they are off.

I don't understand why people insist on turning the DVR (or any other cable box) OFF in the first place? You DO know that the box stay ON 24/7, regardless if you turn it off or not. So, why hassle with it to begin with - just turn the TV off & be done with it!

I figured out how to get my windows 7 media center to get the clear qam channels for glen ellyn. When you scan for channels, it only gets the local broadcast stations. When you go into the settings, under edit channels, it shows all the expanded basic channels as encrypted. To find the channels, i used a splitter and hooked up one to the digital input to my computer tuner and one to the hdtv. Scanned both and went channel by channel and added all of them manually. Ignoring the fact that windows 7 thought it could not get them. Here are many i found:

79.12 - Lifetime Movie Network
79.13 - Fox Business Network
79.16 - Big Ten Network
83.101 BET
83.102 Cartoon Network
83.103 Comedy Central
83.104 MTV
83.105 Disney Channel
83.106 Nick
83.108 AMC
83.109 The Discovery Channel
83.110 TLC
83.111 VH1
83.112 USA
84.201 CSPAN
84.102 CSPAN2
84.203 Animal Planet
84.204 The Travel Channel
84.207 Cnn
84.208 The Golf Channel
84.209 HSN
84.210 QVC
84.212 Local Programming/Educational
85.1 ESPN
85.2 CNBC
85.3 Lifetime
85.4 A&E
85.5 MSNBC
85.6 Spike TV
85.7 Hallmark Channel
85.8 TV Land
85.9 Bravo
85.11 ESPN2
86.1 Home and Garden
86.2 Food Network
86.3 Galavision
86.4 E!
86.6 truTV
86.8 Comcast Sportsnet
86.10 Versus
86.11 History Channel
101.32 TNT
101.33 FX
101.35 TBS
101.36 Fox News
101.39 ABC Family
101.42 The Weather Channel
102.4 College of DuPage
102.7 Tv Guide Network

The rest are paid programming, misc comcast channels (comcast central feeds, blue screen with comcast logo, on demand video, etc..)
Hope this helps others in my area.

Meh, none of those are HD channels. I guess this is useful for those with non-HDTVs that don't want to mess with a cable box though.

Are you going to get a cablecard adapter for WMC7 PC?

I don't understand why people insist on turning the DVR (or any other cable box) OFF in the first place? You DO know that the box stay ON 24/7, regardless if you turn it off or not. So, why hassle with it to begin with - just turn the TV off & be done with it!


I keep mine in a glass enclosed entertainment center. It can get pretty hot so I'd rather let it cool down than continue heating the small space. As far as I recall, I've never had an issue with overheating but still, I'm comfortable turning it off. I'm curious, does the unit utilize the same amount of power when turned off as when is is turned on? Is there even a slight decrease?

Meh, none of those are HD channels. I guess this is useful for those with non-HDTVs that don't want to mess with a cable box though.

Are you going to get a cablecard adapter for WMC7 PC?All the local broadcast stations are in hd. WBBM is 2.1, WMAQ is 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3. WLS is 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, (subchannels) etc.. There is plain sd feeds of the locals in the 200's. 202.1 i think is wbbm, etc..

All the local broadcast stations are in hd. WBBM is 2.1, WMAQ is 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3. WLS is 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, (subchannels) etc.. There is plain sd feeds of the locals in the 200's. 202.1 i think is wbbm, etc..

I think gildo21 was talking about all the channels you listed. None of those are the HD versions of those channels.

I think gildo21 was talking about all the channels you listed. None of those are the HD versions of those channels.Oh, sorry. Yeah, no hd of those stations. Have to use the cable box for those sadly.

I keep mine in a glass enclosed entertainment center. It can get pretty hot so I'd rather let it cool down than continue heating the small space. As far as I recall, I've never had an issue with overheating but still, I'm comfortable turning it off. I'm curious, does the unit utilize the same amount of power when turned off as when is is turned on? Is there even a slight decrease?

OK, again - it STILL uses the SAME amount of power "turned off"!
The ONLY thing you are doing when you shut it off, is turning the A/V outputs off. It HAS to stay on, to keep the EPS up to date - among other things.

You are NOT saving ANY power, NOR reducing your heat output, turning it off.

OK, again - it STILL uses the SAME amount of power "turned off"!
The ONLY thing you are doing when you shut it off, is turning the A/V outputs off. It HAS to stay on, to keep the EPS up to date - among other things.

You are NOT saving ANY power, NOR reducing your heat output, turning it off.

Well.. if we are going to be so absolute, its worth noting that the front does dim a slight amount when "turned off".. so there is probably an extremely small power savings there.

I notice that CLTV's bar near the bottom now says CLTV HD. Has it been rolled out anywhere? CLTV is exclusive to Comcast, so I assume somebody must have it. Maybe just Chicago?

I notice that CLTV's bar near the bottom now says CLTV HD. Has it been rolled out anywhere? CLTV is exclusive to Comcast, so I assume somebody must have it. Maybe just Chicago?
We don't have it in Chicago Area 2.  I didn't see the logo either; when I read Andy's post and went to check, the late Billy Mays was selling something there.

I don't understand why people insist on turning the DVR (or any other cable box) OFF in the first place? You DO know that the box stay ON 24/7, regardless if you turn it off or not. So, why hassle with it to begin with - just turn the TV off & be done with it!
My user manual for the HD/DVR specifically says to turn the box OFF when not in use to extend the life of the hard drive.

My user manual for the HD/DVR specifically says to turn the box OFF when not in use to extend the life of the hard drive.

If you leave the box on, it keeps buffering, which means constant seeking. Turning the box off will stop the seeking, although the drive will continue to run.

Some people will set both tuners to Music Choice channels, as they are not buffered. But if you have a recording set to run, it will end up buffering again.

If you leave the box on, it keeps buffering, which means constant seeking. Turning the box off will stop the seeking, although the drive will continue to run.

Some people will set both tuners to Music Choice channels, as they are not buffered. But if you have a recording set to run, it will end up buffering again.
First I should explain, I use a SA 8300HD/DVR box. When I turn on the box I can hear the drive start going and it remains going. When I turn it off, the drive stops two minutes later and stays stopped. There is no drive noise coming from the box when it is off. If the box is left on with both drives set to Music Choice channels, the drive noise continues. I can't see any reason to leave the box on and not put it in standby mode when it isn't being used.

First I should explain, I use a SA 8300HD/DVR box. When I turn on the box I can hear the drive start going and it remains going. When I turn it off, the drive stops two minutes later and stays stopped. There is no drive noise coming from the box when it is off. If the box is left on with both drives set to Music Choice channels, the drive noise continues. I can't see any reason to leave the box on and not put it in standby mode when it isn't being used.

This is a Chicago thread. I didn't realize you were in Florida. Chicago, like most Comcast areas, uses Motorola equipment. On the Motorola boxes, the drive itself always spins. It's just the buffering that is on or off with the box.

Can anyone confirm that Ovation (182) is 5C encrypted?
They have been doing a music marathon all weekend, but none of my firewire dubbing attempts have worked. This is the first non-premium channel I have ever had a problem with.

There may be something strange going on.
Now I never have a need to dub SD channels, but given my problem with Ovation, I now see that SD SyFy, ESPN, & ESPN2, & E!, fail to dub, but the HD versions of these channels work just fine.

Is this normal?

CCI=0x02 DRM=0x00 on the SDs

SD versions of the networks work (of course).

New Comcast HD DVR's channel 1-23 @ 40 come in only- different models, 3 customers with same problem

Resolved with comcast guy at one job, comcast tech said modem must be listed last
on Comcast in house set up.

Had customer service make cable modem last on 2nd account, no luck.

Any Ideas what problem my be?

Sometimes, yes.

I'm sure you know that you have to keep the remote pointed at the TV until after the cable box off command is sent. It takes a couple seconds. My girlfriend sometimes thinks that it will turn everything off immediately and sets down the remote right away, thus the TV never gets the off command.

Looks like using that technique works every time. Thanks for the tip.

I guess it depends on where you live on the 5C dubbing. I haven't been able to record those channels for 3 years, SD or HD. I can record the newer non premium channels implemented after Jan 06. And I'm in Des Plaines. Nothing on ESPN, ESPN2, HD Theatre, TNT HD, Encore HD, FX HD, etc.

These are the ones that work for me:
-171 AMC HD
-174 Versus HD
-175 History HD
-176 TLC HD
-177 SyFy HD
-179 HGTV HD
-181 Food HD
All the locals, (183,184,187,188,189,190,191,192,193,194)
-197 Disney HD
-198 ABC Fam HD
-199 Golf HD
-206 NAT GEO HD
-207 UHD
-208 A&E HD
-209 Pal HD
-212 Sci HD
-216 CNN HD
-217 LivWell HD
-218 Discovery HD
-219 TBS HD
-224 Animal Planet HD
-231 ESPN News HD
-233 MLB Network HD
ION HD
WE HD
MGM HD
etc.

Speaking of the IEEE 1394 Fire Wire Recording, has anyone noted that "Ghost Wisperer" reruns/back episodes staring Jennifer Love Hewitt are now on every weekday? Looks like SyFy HD channel will run 4 episodes on Monday from 6-10, While ION HD is showing each night at 7 pm. WE HD is showing the same episode from 6-7 each night. The new episodes still will air on CBS on Fridays at 7 pm.

Nothing for my money beats CBS HD as far as picture quality for recordings of the newer episodes, but from my viewing of the program the last 2 nights on Syfy HD and WE HD, it looks like Syfy HD has the better quality of the two. There appears to be a few pixel block issues on WE HD. I haven't seen it on ION HD yet. Anyone know what the quality looks like on ION HD?

Anyone know what the quality looks like on ION HD?
I believe WCPX is 720p + 3 x 480i.

I use my DVR's buffering as a rough guide to compression levels. WLS is one of the worst, with nearly 50 minutes. SyFy, despite being a triple-HD frequency, is pretty good, with about 30 minutes.

Sorry AndyRoss,

I didn't know what you were saying, but ION HD is much better than WE HD. Maybe even better than Syfy at my house. I'll likely be recording off this channel.

I did not know that the 5C would vary by burb. Just kinda seems silly that it is arbitrary. My understanding is that 5C was at the request of the content owner. Given that we have different results, I'm gonna guess that the stations have not requested this. And if they had, you can bet they would have blocked the HD signal (and I get all of those except for premium HBO/SHO/Etc)
Since I almost never watch SD, I had never noticed that they were blocked. Luckily I have an analog Tivo, and was able to get the portions of the music marathon on Ovation that I wanted.

Looks like I will have to pick up one of those HD PVR 1212 boxes when they are on sale. I have seen them for $150.

I guess it depends on where you live on the 5C dubbing. I haven't been able to record those channels for 3 years, SD or HD. I can record the newer non premium channels implemented after Jan 06. And I'm in Des Plaines. Nothing on ESPN, ESPN2, HD Theatre, TNT HD, Encore HD, FX HD, etc.

These are the ones that work for me:
-171 AMC HD
-174 Versus HD
-175 History HD
-176 TLC HD
-177 SyFy HD
-179 HGTV HD
-181 Food HD
All the locals, (183,184,187,188,189,190,191,192,193,194)
-197 Disney HD
-198 ABC Fam HD
-199 Golf HD
-206 NAT GEO HD
-207 UHD
-208 A&E HD
-209 Pal HD
-212 Sci HD
-216 CNN HD
-217 LivWell HD
-218 Discovery HD
-219 TBS HD
-224 Animal Planet HD
-231 ESPN News HD
-233 MLB Network HD
ION HD
WE HD
MGM HD
etc.

You could always tape a 10 min sample from each, and look at the file sizes. Not that size is be all/end all, but it helps.
Sorry AndyRoss,

I didn't know what you were saying, but ION HD is much better than WE HD. Maybe even better than Syfy at my house. I'll likely be recording off this channel.

I posted this in the National forum, how 'bout here too...

Does anybody have any news on when the FVCK the Chicago 'burbs are getting the rest of the channels that Chicago has? It's been over a FVCKING year!!!!

If you've started to get mailings about analog reclamation, the answer is "very soon." According to the letter I received from Comcast, my area is getting about a dozen new HD channels the day after many of the analog expanded basic channels are turned off. From what's been said in the Comcast forum at DSL Reports, the rest of the new HD offerings will trickle in over the next few months, as the rest of the analog expanded basic channels go away.

A little back story before I ask my question. I recently moved to a new apartment near Geneva (older home pieced up) that has Comcast provided by the landlord. It's only analog, so there is no converter box in my apartment.

The cable to my HDTV from the wall provides me the following signals:
Analog Cable (channels 2-70ish), Digital Cable (Clear QAM?) (channels 76-xx, 84-xx, etc), and the OTA HDTV signals (5-1, 2-1, 9-1, etc).

Thus the question: with the analog reclamation project coming up in three weeks, will I lose ALL my TV service, or will I retain the digital signals?

My guess is you'll only have the OTA HDTV channels, eventually.

A little back story before I ask my question. I recently moved to a new apartment near Geneva (older home pieced up) that has Comcast provided by the landlord. It's only analog, so there is no converter box in my apartment.

The cable to my HDTV from the wall provides me the following signals:
Analog Cable (channels 2-70ish), Digital Cable (Clear QAM?) (channels 76-xx, 84-xx, etc), and the OTA HDTV signals (5-1, 2-1, 9-1, etc).

Thus the question: with the analog reclamation project coming up in three weeks, will I lose ALL my TV service, or will I retain the digital signals?

My guess is you'll only have the OTA HDTV channels, eventually.

Why would the digital expanded basic channels go away? Wouldn't they stay clear QAM?

Why would the digital expanded basic channels go away? Wouldn't they stay clear QAM?

Because Comcast is reportedly employing the "encryption" feature on their low end dtas, to block expanded basic. Comcast justification is that then they dont need to manage expensive "traps" on user premises. Lots of stuff in the geek press in the last couple of weeks on this.

My latest bill has this info:
On 10/1:
CLTV moves from Expanded to Digital Starter (in other words, the analog is disappearing.) I also assume this means it will not be available on DTA's, either.
MoviePlex moves from Starter to Classic.
NBA TV HD added on 235 to Classic and S&E.
Jewelry TV (159) will be dual-carried on 129 on current levels (why????)

On 9/24:
NEW South Asian subscription services. Zee TV, SET Asia, STAR India NEWS, STAR India GOLD, STAR India PLUS, STAR ONE.

No info on CLTV HD, which can be seen on their on-screen logo.

My latest bill has this info:
On 10/1:
CLTV moves from Expanded to Digital Starter (in other words, the analog is disappearing.) I also assume this means it will not be available on DTA's, either.


Why wouldn't it be available on the DTA's? Isn't that what they are there for?

ETA: Interesting...I just went and checked my latest bill and there's no messages relating to this at all.

My user manual for the HD/DVR specifically says to turn the box OFF when not in use to extend the life of the hard drive.
I did that once but then realized after it didn't record my scheduled shows that its not like a VCR and that is has to be on to record things. Now I leave it on all the time.

There is something wrong with your DVR. If it is functioning normally, it will most definitely turn on to record what it's programmed to record.

Why wouldn't it be available on the DTA's? Isn't that what they are there for?

ETA: Interesting...I just went and checked my latest bill and there's no messages relating to this at all.

My last bill doesn't mention this at all, but my next bill date is 9/18 and I expect that one to have this info.

The DTAs do not provide the Digital Starter lineup; they essentially provide a digital version of the now-obsolete Expanded Basic. I, too, assume that CLTV will not be available on DTAs after this change, which I think is a stupid move on Comcast's part... unless they're banking on a lot of people upgrading to Digital Starter (read: more $$) as a result.

can't wait for these 9/30!

CH 293 Travel Channel HD
CH 294 Comedy Central HD
CH 296 MTV HD
CH 297 VHI HD

I think that'll finish them all for us. Except MSNBC, Oxygen, and MTV2.

can't wait for these 9/30!

CH 290 Spike HD
CH 293 Travel Channel HD
CH 294 Comedy Central HD
CH 296 MTV HD
CH 297 VHI HD

I think that'll finish them all for us. Except MSNBC, Oxygen, and MTV2.

What part of Chicago are you in, city, suburbs? I'm in Arlington Heights and am dying for Spike and Travel. But my bills have had no mention of those channels yet.

sorry I do actually have Spike, I mis-copied. I live in Andersonville, in the north side of the city. I live IN Chicago. :D

can't wait for these 9/30!

CH 293 Travel Channel HD
CH 294 Comedy Central HD
CH 296 MTV HD
CH 297 VHI HD

I think that'll finish them all for us. Except MSNBC, Oxygen, and MTV2.


Don't forget, ESPNU HD, TCM HD, NFL REDZONE HD, and I'm sure I forgot some other new HD additions to Comcast.

I like doing it myself because I can get it done much more quickly than calling Comcast and scheduling an appointment. The women that run the Schaumburg office are always pleasant to deal with and I've never had to spend more than a few minutes getting a box swapped. Of course, if your local Comcast office is far away, then I can see why you'd want them to come to you.

Another reason to swap is to exchange your old DCH3412 for the newer DCX3400 series box. It has a 250GB hard drive in it, or roughly twice as large as the one in your 3412. And there's no charge for the swap.
Do all of the Comcast DCX3400 boxes have the 250GB hard drive in them? According to this:

http://www.motorola.com/staticfiles/Business/Products/TV%20Video%20Distribution/Customer%20Premises%20Equipment/All%20Digital%20QAM%20Set-tops/DCX3400/_Documents/552791-001_DCX3400.pdf?localeId=33

160GB is standard and 250GB is optional.